Fabriek Street Park is not neglected

STRIJDOM PARK – The frequency of park-use deters vagrants from using the park, according to the City.

August 31, 2016

Phathu Luvhengo 1 minute read

The river close to the park is polluted.

An element of vagrancy and crime has left the Fabriek Street Park in Strijdom Park in the state of squalor.

This park appears neglected as piles of rubble are dumped in the area. This plight poses a health hazard to the residents and businesses of the suburb.

Residents apparently stopped utilising the park some years back following a spate of crime incidents. The river adjacent to the park is also polluted.

Ward 104 Councillor Mike Wood said it was his wish to see the park restored again. “We will try and get people to use this park again,” he said.

He said he reported the problem to Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and the entity promised to address the problem. “Once you get people using the park again, we will obviously eradicate the plight of crime,” he said.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo acting general manager for stakeholder liaison unit, Molefe Seale, said the Pikitup’s cleaning campaign was ongoing.

“The City is aware of the problem of illegal dumping, which poses huge financial losses to the City. User education is required for the community and businesses around the area, to comply with the City bylaws,” he said.

The entity also appealed to adjacent businesses and residents to refrain from dumping in the park. “These sites are regularly cleaned, however, the problem persists. The public must be vigilant and on the lookout for these perpetrators and report them so that they can be brought to book and fined,” said Seale.

He further indicated that the park was not neglected. “It is the winter season and no grass cutting is taking place during the winter months. In summer, with regular grass cutting and patrols from the park rangers, the park is usable. The frequency of park-use deters vagrants from using the park,” he concluded.

Details: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, 011 712 6600.

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