East park rehabilitation process soon to be completed
Once the Jimmy Aves Park is reopened for the public, the metro promised that stringent measures will be put in place to prevent it from falling into decay again.
The rehabilitation of Jimmy Aves Park in the east of Pretoria is expected to be wrapped up in November, according to the Tshwane metro.
Jimmy Aves Park in Garsfontein has been gated off to visitors since September to allow for a rehabilitation process to commence following the park having faced years of neglect, tarnished by vagrancy and illegal dumping.
The rehabilitation work underway is aimed at restoring the park to its former glory, creating a safe and welcoming space for residents and visitors.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said work is continuing to clear and remove the invader species along the spruit in the park.
He said this process will continue for another four weeks depending on the rain and availability of resources.
Residents and nature lovers have recently raised concerns about safety and ecological damage as the park has deteriorated drastically and harbours criminal activity and massive littering.
The park was described as once beautiful with a stream, pedestrian walk, and an area for walking dogs.
Mashigo said the rehabilitation work at the park also includes installing a walkway fence for pedestrians to walk to the shops and access public transport to Garstfontein Road.
He added that grass cutting, clearing of reeds along the spruit and complete removal of invaders are also part of the rehabilitation work.
“It also includes access control of the park where the gates are opened and locked, according to the time schedule plan in consultation with the community,” Mashigo said.
He said once the park is reopened to the public, stringent measures will be put in place to prevent it from falling into decay again.
“Multi-disciplinary approach in the enforcement of by-laws for people to adhere and comply with the rules of the park stipulated on the notice board will be enforced.”
He added that the upkeep of the park will be monitored.
“There will be regular grass cutting and cleaning of the park, including regular patrols of by-law enforcement.”
Mashigo said the gates will close and open according to the time plan. Regular joint operations with TMPD, police and the community will also occur.
He added that to ensure the park is clean, the metro will increase the number of staff members for the upkeep of the park.
Notices display that the park operates from 06:00-18:00.
“These notice boards indicate the activities that are allowed in line with the by-laws. Locking the park will result in damaging fences which can’t be replaced due to budget constraints.”
Previously Ward 45 councillor, Elizabeth Basson said the CPF, local security companies and police have also pledged to help through their regular patrols and more visibility around the park to deter any forced entry or criminal activity.
“United we can develop and bring this park to its former glory. The regional head and her team have also worked hard to bring the developments to the park.”
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