The state of the Paradise C Grounds is cause for concern.
Vagrancy, sewage, vandalism and general loitering has transformed the grounds from a sporting turf to a haven of neglect.
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Problems can be traced back to early last year.
During the prolonged period of flooding in the first months of 2017, fencing around the grounds – particularly along Jenkyn and Sutherland Streets – was knocked over.
This seemed to encourage thoroughfare by pedestrians.
Although part of the perimeter fencing was replaced in May, fencing around the C Grounds was never fully completed.
Now the Grounds are in a shocking state.
Apart from vehicles parking on the turf day and night, vagrants appear to have moved into the ablution facilities and upstairs clubhouse.
The clubhouse roof is missing and sections of ceiling hang loose.
Both the men’s and women’s bathrooms are littered with human waste, which lies in festering heaps right up to the doors.
Sewage overflows from piping nearby.
Access to the shower/ locker rooms has also been denied, thanks to shopping trolleys and makeshift locks blocking the entrances.
To cap it off, the Ground’s bins are overflowing with trash.
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Municipal Manager, Errol Mswane provided an official response to the matter, who explained his team was on site on Tuesday evening to gauge the situation.
“The fence is incomplete due to rains and a pending insurance claim. This will take two to three months to complete.”
He said the vagrants living on the C Grounds property would be evicted, and stated the situation would be monitored to ensure the problem was not recurrent.
He believed this would curb illegal behaviour.
In terms of vehicles parking on the Grounds, Mswane said the plan was to increase the frequency of traffic spot checks in the area.
However, there was no long-term security plan in place.
“There will be no full-time security as it is too costly.”
