Park rehabilitation stalls as squatters cause delays

Residents in Garsfontein and surrounding areas are advised to use alternative local parks, as Jimmy Aves Park on Delphi Street remains closed due to delayed rehabilitation efforts.

While Tshwane confirmed that maintenance is still underway, the process has been significantly hampered by the ongoing occupation of squatters.

Their presence has made it difficult for the city to complete essential work and restore the park to a usable state.

Initially set to be rehabilitated and reopened by the end of 2024, the project has stalled, and there is currently no confirmed timeline for its completion.

The park was earmarked for restoration following repeated complaints from the community regarding environmental degradation, safety concerns, excessive littering, and deteriorating conditions caused by vagrants.

Reports of illegal dumping, including waste like cooking oil and human waste, have further complicated the city’s efforts to bring the park back to life.

According to Ward 45 councillor Elizabeth Basson, squatters continue to frequent the park, delaying progress. “The squatters were removed, but they found their way back into the park. They broke some fences and gates to gain entry.”

Basson said the city cannot reopen the park at this stage.

“Unfortunately, the rehabilitation and what has been done already would be tarnished. So it is safe to keep the gates of the park locked until the city fully restores the park,” she said.

She said the squatters are continuing to pollute the park, and supervision is needed.

Some residents who usually provide meals for the squatters at the park were cautioned and told that it promotes illegal squatting.

A resident took to social media, “We totally appreciate the big hearts in our hood, but quick heads-up, we have noticed some kind souls feeding people who live in Jimmy Aves Park”.

“While it’s amazing to help, it is also encouraging more strangers into our area, which could cause some unexpected hiccups. So, here’s a funky idea: how about inviting them to your spot or premises instead? As a community, we are all about keeping our neighbourhood safe and cosy for everyone,” read the post.

“Let’s spread the love, just in a way that doesn’t attract more people to the park.”

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said several departments, including Regional Operations and Coordination, the metro police, and Community and Social Development Services, are working together to finalise relocation plans for the informal settlers.

He acknowledged that their presence has been an obstacle in completing the rehabilitation project.

He said the scope of the park’s rehabilitation included clearing the spruit of illegal occupants, cutting overgrown grass, and removing waste, particularly hazardous human waste.

“While some of this work has been carried out, the full restoration remains incomplete, due to the hindrance by Tshwane.”

Mashigo said a timeline for completion and reopening the park to the public has not yet been set.

“Most of the squatters have refused relocation, citing proximity to their workplaces and a lack of alternative shelter,” Mashigo noted.

“Reopening the park without resolving this issue would only return it to its previous, unsafe condition and health-hazardous state.”

Mashigo said in the interim, residents can make use of the park adjacent to Water Glen Shopping Centre as an alternative recreational space or visit the park in Vercuiel Street, Garsfontein.

ALSO READ: Loss of respect for departed leads to dumping in cemetery

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.