Spruit squatters delays Jimmy Aves Park wetland rehabilitation

The ongoing contamination of the Faerie Glen Spruit by squatters has significantly delayed the rehabilitation of the Jimmy Aves Park in Garsfontein, local authorities have confirmed.

Ward 45 councillor Elizabeth Basson said squatters who were previously living inside the park have now relocated to the banks of the spruit near Waterglen Shopping Centre.

She said their presence has led to severe pollution of the spruit, which flows directly into the wetland area of the park, saying, “This has become a major environmental concern”.

“The squatters bathe and relieve themselves in the spruit, contributing to its contamination. This not only threatens the wetland in Jimmy Aves Park but also affects the broader ecosystem, as the spruit runs through several parts of the city.”

Basson said that efforts to rehabilitate Jimmy Aves Park have already been hindered by past issues, including illegal dumping of materials such as cooking oil and other waste into the wetland.

She added that the relocation of the squatters to the banks of the spruit is not safe for them either.

“This environmental degradation also puts wildlife species at risk and poses safety concerns for the squatters themselves living along the spruit’s edge.”

Basson stated that the squatters need to be removed from the spruit, to prevent further damage and so that the wetland in the park can be rehabilitated.

She said she has been working in collaboration with the Tshwane’s parks department, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), and both the municipal and provincial social development departments to restore the park to acceptable standards.

However, she emphasised that the continued illegal occupation of the spruit area remains a major obstacle to progress.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo acknowledged that the environmental degradation occurring along the Faerie Glen Spruit near Garstfontein Road, particularly where illegal squatting has taken place, has become a concern.

“As an immediate intervention, our Environmental and Agriculture Management Department, in partnership with the TMPD, will conduct a clean-up operation to address the contamination,” said Mashigo.

“To protect and rehabilitate our natural water systems across the city, we have introduced fencing projects around sensitive natural areas, including spruits, rivers, and wetlands.

We also carry out routine clean-ups and remove invasive vegetation wherever possible. Moreover, the city works closely with community groups such as the Friends of Wildlife and the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa to support ongoing conservation efforts.”

Mashigo said that in the longer term, the metro has established several homeless shelters in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Social Development and non-profit organisations.

He closed by saying, “Social workers will be deployed to assess the needs of those occupying the spruit area. Should individuals be willing to relocate, the city will make necessary logistical arrangements to move them to shelters that offer safer and more dignified living conditions.”

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