City Parks implements first phase of maintenance in Waterval Estate
Maintenance for the public open space on the corner of Matabele Street and Milner Avenue is underway to remove vegetation to improve visibility and safety for the community.
The neglected open land at the corner of Matabele Street and Milner Avenue in Waterval Estate has finally gained attention, with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) aiming to clear the overgrown vegetation to provide a more clear sight of the land.
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Natalie Solomons, from the Women Empowerment Platform, has been actively involved in maintaining the top section of the field since 2018 as part of a local soccer club. She expressed concerns over the growing issues affecting the park’s safety and usability, particularly during times when the soccer club is not present. “Illegal activities, including drug use and theft, have become visible, along with makeshift camps established by displaced individuals. These developments have created an environment where residents feel unsafe walking or jogging in the area.”
Solomons expressed that the problems not only compromise community safety; they also undermine the positive role that sports and recreational spaces are meant to play in local neighbourhoods.
Regional Manager for JCPZ Alton Rankin acknowledged the community’s concerns and outlined maintenance plans. “We have mapped out areas for grass cutting, alien vegetation removal, and tree pruning to improve visibility and safety. In charge of these tasks will be Khula Environmental Services and Rooriv Construction.”
Phase one includes grass cutting and vegetation removal, with a focus on environmentally friendly practices. “We will also do a maintenance sweep over the area because that was requested by Johannesburg Property Company (JPC). If in future they require this service, they would have to make available an official order for either once a month or once a quarter, because it is public open space. Currently, we did receive an order from them to maintain this entire area.”
Rankin added that they also maintain sports facilities for community development for the Sports and Recreation Department, however, the area is part of JPC, stating that it is not their mandate. They do assist though, as they have the resources to do so.
It is important to make the park accessible to the community, not just to specific groups like the bowls club, said Rankin. “We have a vested interest in this area as well. While we maintain sports facilities, the responsibility for public open spaces falls under different categories, including parks and recreational areas. We assist when we can, but we need official orders for ongoing maintenance.”
The publication reached out to JPC for comment on the matter, however, none was forthcoming. Updates will be provided as they become available.
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