Trouble lurks among the tall grass

The Department of Community Services is allowing the grass to grow underneath their very feet, as they are struggling to keep up with grass cutting schedules during summer rain season.

This according to a statement issued by Dr Imran Keeka, Member of Provincial Parliament and Democratic Alliance constituency leader.

“Grass throughout town is tall, hazardous and terribly unsightly,” read the statement. “It is understood that grass grows faster in summer when there is abundant rain. This routine excuse can no longer hold water.”

“It tells of either no planning or no concern in the delivery of services, typically followed by several worthless explanations,” it continued.

He also raised concerns regarding grass along the Ncandu River in Paradise, which he called ‘hazardous for residents around the area’ due to the possible increase of snakes and the grass potentially proving a hiding place ‘for those who have chosen to live criminal lives’.

Last week, crews of workers in many areas of Newcastle were seen cutting centre islands and sidewalks, as well as play parks and open sections of field.

Specifically, workers were seen in Paradise on Friday, concentrating on sections around the river, which was in keeping with a grass-cutting schedule adhered to by the Director of Parks, Cemeteries and Recreation, Vish Govender.

Mr Govender explained the entire process followed by the department, the budget and the timetable.

“For our purposes, we have divided Newcastle into three zones. Zone 1 covers areas such as Fairleigh, Fernwood, Lennoxton and Paradise. Zone 2 is Amiel Park, Aviary Hill, Schuinshoogte, Pioneer Park and so on. The last zone, Zone3, is Barry Hertzog Park and upper and lower Ncandu Park and the areas surrounding,” explained Mr Govender.

“The thing is, we have a system. Our schedule predetermines where we start cutting in each zone and where we stop. If we don’t stick to the system, it would cause chaos.” he said.

Approximately 90 workers are brought in over the summer season to wield brush cutters and maneuver mowers. Altogether 17 tractors, 40 brush cutters, 12 large mowers and 20 smaller mowers form a formidable front of machinery to battle the constantly growing grass.

“We have our own fully functioning workshop where we repair and maintain our equipment,” informed Mr Govender. “We save Council easily R500 000 a year just by doing maintenance ourselves.”

He also bemoaned the damage illegal dumping wreaked on the machines.

“The parts for the tractors are very expensive. One piece of rubble, and the tractor is coming back to the workshop for repairs,” he said.

According to Cllr Keeka however, this is simply not the case.

“Maintenance is a massive problem across the country, not only in the Newcastle Municipality,” he said on Thursday, during a telephonic interview. “It is my contention that it is more profitable for the corrupt in government to buy and build new infrastructure than to maintain infrastructure.”

He claimed the department was not maintaining their equipment properly and there were insufficient funds to conduct the work required.

“What exactly are they doing?” asked Cllr Keeka.

According to Mr Govender, this was only true three years ago.

“When I became director, we did not have enough equipment. It’s a different story now,” he emphasised.

Blades of contention

During a rare meeting with Portfolio Councillor for Community Services, Noma Kunene, the issues highlighted in the press statement were discussed. However, Cllr Kunene referred official queries to the Mayor, Afzul Rehman.

“Grass cutting is always a challenge this time of year,” said Cllr Rehman. “Personally I see an improvement in the cutting, but we are not where we should be. The holiday period also saw our team taking a break, part of which is our effort to curb the R21-million overtime bill of the municipality.”

“All said, I am told that within the next week we will have all areas cut and neat and be back on schedule,” he continued. “A special focus during this time is areas around schools for the opening, which was on Wednesday. Our budgets and equipment are sufficient, as we have done intensive capitalisation of the unit in the recent years.”

Residents in areas where the growth was getting out of hand, were asked for their opinion.

“Who knows what can jump out of there,” said a resident of Fairleigh, who wished to remain anonymous. “I have asked them numerous times to cut it, but they don’t cut it everytime.”

He was referring to an alleyway next to and behind his home that was completely overgrown.

A resident of Paradise who lives adjacent to an overgrown empty plot of land, said although it was an eyesore, the grass had never negatively affected the security of her home.

“It doesn’t look nice, and my husband has complained to the municipality on a number of occasions,” she said. “But we have never had a break in or anything of that sort.”

Do you have a problem area near your home or business? Send an email to newed2@caxton.co.za or phone 034 312 6021.