Following ongoing issues of illegal drinking and drug use at Northcliff Ridge Eco Park, strict rules have been implemented, prompting security officials to step in and tighten control measures.
Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker confirmed that the park was initially closed after problems linked to alcohol consumption and drug use spiralled out of control.
“The situation was further complicated by a hole in the road caused by a pipe burst in April, which left the area inaccessible for some time,” Jonker explained.
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When the park reopened, stringent conditions were put in place. Jonker said a directive was issued stating that the area should not operate unless security personnel or Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) representatives were present.
“This was to ensure proper monitoring and control of activities within the park.”
Private security company SCP Security has since played a key role in maintaining order.
Jonker described their involvement, provided at no cost to the community, as ‘crucial,’ particularly following a distressing incident in which a child consumed poison at the park.
SCP Security director Clive Maher noted that the company has worked alongside JCPZ for the past five years, managing access to the park in accordance with official guidelines. He acknowledged that the past was riddled with challenges.
“It was like chaos going up to the Eco Ridge. People were going against the by-laws, bringing in alcohol, blasting music, doing drugs, and fights would break out. That is a thing of the past,” he said.
Maher emphasised that the situation has improved significantly.
“Now the people who go there are those who want to watch the sunset, enjoy a sunrise, or spend a relaxed afternoon with family and kids. From time to time, we still deal with those who come with the intention of drinking or causing a disturbance, but the chaos has toned down a lot.”
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Despite these improvements, the park is not open around the clock. It currently operates under restricted hours, closing two days a week and opening daily from 5am. While some nearby residents have advocated for unrestricted access, concerns over noise and unruly behaviour remain.
JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley confirmed that additional safeguards are in place.
“Four Expanded Public Works Programme workers, managed by the Dikgaetsedi cooperative, are stationed at the Ridge gate between 11am and 6pm each day. Their duties include checking for alcohol and keeping a record of visitor numbers,” she said.
Moodley said the park’s operating hours are directly tied to the presence of this monitoring team. The arrangement reflects a broader, community-driven approach aimed at maintaining order and safety in the popular park.
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