State of Secunda Duck Pond raises concern

Fallen trees and branches, overflowing and broken dustbins, overgrown grass and flower beds, dead fish and broken glass are what one is greeted with when visiting the local Secunda Duck Pond.

It is a sad sight when walking around this area that seems to have become a forgotten attraction.

The local duck pond has been a forever place where one would go for a picnic or braai, fishing, children can play or just a simple stroll or ride on a bicycle.

However, one cannot stop but imagine someone getting injured by a falling tree trunk or coming in contact with contaminated water and dead fish.

Before Covid-19 the Secunda Duck Pond was monitored and serviced through Sasol but the company then cut back on their community projects, one of which was the duck pond.

Since then, no ownership was taken of this area and the community are calling on responsible parties to start taking action before the duck pond becomes abandoned and a place for unwanted criminal activity.

Ridge Times spoke to several parties who had raised their concerns over the dilapidating state of the duck pond.

“The duck pond is an emotional part of my life as it used to be a very proud place for my dad,” said Ms Chantél Vorster whose father, Mr Frans Pretorius, operated the steam trains.

Mr Pretorius passed away from cancer earlier this year.

She said her father used to put in long hours and hard work to keep the place looking good.

“My dad had the touch. For 25 years he always made the Secunda Duck Pond look nice, clean and safe for many to enjoy,” said Ms Vorster.

AfriForum was called to remove a tree that had fallen over next to the train station.

Unfortunately due to heavy rain, all work had to stop. This was just one of several fallen trees.

“Our biggest fear is that one of the trees will fall on a person or child,” said a committee member of the Secunda Steamers who wished not to be named.

The committee member said although they operate the steam trains, the up-keeping of the duck pond grounds is not their responsibility but that of Govan Mbeki Municiplality.

According to the committee member, the community cleans up and cuts grass.

“People will not want to come here anymore if it keeps looking like this,” said the committee member.

Organisations such as AfriForum and the community can only do so much volunteering work and are now relying on GMM to come to the party.

Mr Jan du Plessis, Chairman for Secunda AfriForum said: “Drug dealers are again taking over this area. There is no security or monitoring.

“We do what we can do, but afterwards our hands are tied.

“It is time that the municipality does what they are being paid to do and what they are supposed to do,” said Mr Du Plessis.

The Ridge Times has since received response from GMM’s Mr Lucky Mhlongo, who is the acting director for communication.

He said it is GMM’s responsibility for the cleaning-up f the duck pond.

No timeframe can be given as to when GMM will begin cleaning up nor how often, as this all depends on the availability of resources.

GMM is also responsible for tree cutting at the duck pond as well as the removal thereof.

The question was asked as to who will be held responsible if a tree or branches of a tree fall on members of the public.

Mr Mhlongo said it is GMM’s responsibility.

He also stated that refuse removal and grass cutting is the responsibility of GMM.

When asked if there are security monitoring the duck pond, Mr Mhlongo said: “Yes, only to guard the municipal buildings and assets against theft and vandalism within the park.”

He said that GMM is responsible for the security at the duck pond, but that they are not aware of drug activities at the park.

“The duck pond area is an open public space and the municipality cannot take responsibility of open-air drug markets.

“It is the responsibility of every citizen of this country to report any illegal activities known or observed to the police.

“Failure to report known illegal or criminal activities, is an offence,” said Mr Mhlongo.

It has become clear that GMM has become too dependent on the community cleaning up where GMM should actually be cleaning.

Mr Mhlongo said that cleaning of the duck pond is done on a voluntary basis by the public and they are not obligated to do it.

However, any support or assistance is welcomed.