Almost a year on, the rehabilitation of Jimmy Aves Park in Garsfontein is still encountering obstacles and delays.

This has led to residents being advised to use alternative local parks, as the park between Delphi and Keeshond streets remains closed.

The metro says an informal settlement, environmental degradation, and complex legal processes remain the main reasons behind prolonged delays in rehabilitating the park, nearly a year after restoration work should have been completed.

While the Tshwane metro confirmed that maintenance is still underway, the process has been significantly hampered by the informal settlement.

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, littering, and deteriorating conditions caused by homeless people.

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

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the occupation of the park has made rehabilitation significantly more complicated than routine maintenance.

“Multiple departments have had to co-ordinate on legal procedures and relocation efforts, many of which have been unsuccessful due to resistance from occupants,” Mashigo explained.

He confirmed that only basic maintenance is taking place, while the metro continues efforts to relocate the settlers.

Current work being done by the metro includes general clean-up operations, grass cutting, tree pruning, removal of invasive plants, and clearing around occupied areas.

Mashigo said the metro’s Regional Operations and Co-ordination Division, TMPD, and Community and Social Development Services are still finalising relocation plans.

According to Mashigo, the metro’s initial rehabilitation plan for the park included clearing the spruit area of invading plants, cutting overgrown grass, and removing waste – including human waste – before full restoration work could proceed.

Mashigo said only parts of this work have been completed due to persistent occupation of the site.

The metro says it cannot provide a revised timeline for full rehabilitation or reopening of the park.

It is reported that relocation efforts have repeatedly stalled, with many settlers refusing to move, citing proximity to work and reliance on the park as a place of residence.

Residents have also raised concerns about community members who continue feeding people inside Jimmy Aves Park.

The concerned residents said while they appreciate the goodwill, they believe it unintentionally draws additional homeless people into the area.

They suggested that those who want to help should consider doing so from private premises rather than inside the park, to avoid attracting more foot traffic to an already strained public space.

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