Metro to roll out various initiatives to tackle homelessness in Central parks

The Tshwane metro has called on residents and non-profit organisations to assist its efforts in addressing homelessness seen in the parks in the CBD.

“The city has a by-law on public amenities. Our Tshwane metro police (TMPD) are mandated to enforce this by-law as and when required. The city also erects signage (notice boards) in parks, which communicates the message that prohibits these problems,” said metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo.

South Africans are currently celebrating National Parks Week (September 16 – 24), so Rekord decided to take a look at the state of local parks and reserves.

Tshwane does not own any national park so encouraged residents to visit its five nature reserves instead.

These include Rietvlei, Groenkloof, Faerie Glen, Colbyn Wetland and Wonderboom nature reserves.

The metro stated it is partnering with the Gauteng department of agriculture, rural development and environment (GDARDE) to add more reserves to its management, including Moreletakloof, Garstkloof and Toloane as well Bishop Bird park.

“The lack of budget and staff are challenges for all three tiers of government. In Tshwane, we engage with communities and these communities form friend groups under the auspices of Wessa (wildlife and environment society of South Africa). They assist with materials and knowledge and give their time and labour, for example, to alien plant control and litter clean-ups,” said Mashigo.

The metro will, in partnership with the Gauteng social development and various NGOs, roll out mobile showers and toilets in parks in the inner city for the homeless.

“The issue of homeless people in local parks is quite a concern. Homeless people use parks as a safe space,” Mashigo said.

“The city, through the community and social development services department, continues to refer willing homeless people to the closest shelters.”

The metro also reported it is rolling out its Adopt-a-Park programme, which allows interested NGOs to take responsibility for care and upkeep of a specific park of their choice.

“Regular clean-ups were conducted with assistance from metro police and waste management. These actions will proceed. The plan is to get more locals involved in taking care of their environment, either by joining or establishing nature conservation-based friends’ groups. There are currently 24 groups,” Mashigo said.

These include:

– Rietvlei: rietvlei@mailbox.co.za

– Groenkloof: louis@geeringh.com

– Faerie Glen: admin@fgnr.co.za

– Colbyn: friendsofcolbynvalley@gmail.com

– Moreletakloof: info@moreletakloof.co.za

The metro said the effects of homelessness and alleged drug use in parks are health and safety hazards.

“Community members complain of crime in areas close to parks. The homeless people in parks are suspected to be involved in housebreaking around the close communities. Due to the nuisance at parks, residents complain of the value of their properties being affected by less interest in the market. Homeless people start fires in parks, which puts community properties at risk,” Mashigo stated.

Other negative issues being reported include pollution (water, air, soil and light), loss of biodiversity (tree cutting, poaching), residents’ safety being compromised and vandalism.

The metro called for by-law enforcement and community involvement in discouraging and reporting these issues to the municipality.

It also encouraged participation in the Adopt-A-Spot Programme which encourages residents and organisations to partner with the city in managing and maintaining parks and other open spaces.

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