Hallelujah Park is in reasonable condition – metro
Tshwane metro denies it is neglecting community parks.
The Tshwane metro has dismissed allegations that it was not taking care of Hallelujah Park in Nellmapius.
Recently residents of ward 28 in Nellmapius ext. 4 cleaned up the local community park and claimed it was in a poor state of disrepair from neglect.
They claimed the park was slowly turning into an illegal dumpsite and hide-out for criminals and that municipal workers were no longer taking care of it like they used to.
Tshwane metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo said the the City picks up litter weekly and cleaned the beddings as well as paving monthly.
Resident Tshepo Masemola said the park was fully functional and a haven for everyone until 2016 when Tshwane municipal workers stopped coming every day to look after it.
He said instead the workers only picked up litter and slept there all day when they did come.
“The community park had overgrown grass that was becoming dangerous for everyone, dilapidated playground equipment that needed to be fixed because it was becoming dangerous for children to use,” said Masemola.
He said the irrigation system in half the park is no longer working so the community could not fold its arms and watch while “our park slowly turns into a dumpsite”.
Mashigo said the grass was cut once or twice a month weather permitting, the last time it was cut being October 19.
“Irrigation is no longer permitted due to water restrictions. It is an exaggeration to say it is abandoned as the park remains in a reasonable condition,” said Mashigo.
Masemola said during the clean-up, the residents will continue to take care of the park by picking up litter and watering it using buckets.
The residents further said they were worried about the state of parks in Nellmapius and Mamelodi because it seems they are all abandoned.
“The parks have turned into hide-outs for drug addicts.”
The residents pleaded with the metro to come fix the irrigation system at the park.
“Tshwane municipal workers need to stop delaying service delivery and revamp all community parks in the local townships.”
Masemola said the community also planted more than 30 trees before the clean-up and desperately needs donations to paint the playground equipment.
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