The old flea market grounds opposite the Florida Lake at Fourth Road and Maud Street have seen better days.
The open space, for many years a popular site for weekly market days, is an eyesore today that attracts illegal dumping, illegal traders, drug users, loiterers and vagrants.
At first glance the site retained some of its former charm: A grassy open space sporting a number of massive trees that provide pleasant shade, ideal for a children’s play area or a picnic spot.
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Closer inspection reveals a different reality: Rubbish and glass shards lie strewn everywhere.
A section through the middle of the site sports no grass as people living in properties adjacent to the site have taken to driving through the park instead of around it.
Along Maud Street, a thriving informal business selling everything from ‘fresh’ produce to second-hand goods like clothes, television sets, mattresses, and even couches, does brisk business.
Upon speaking to the people operating the ‘shop’ it quickly becomes clear that they are not licensed to trade there – or anywhere else. They feign ignorance when questioned about whether they’ve even tried to apply for the to the relevant authorities.
At the corner of Maud Street and Flora Avenue, under a large tree, a huge heap of rubbish, among which a torn refuse bag full of weaves, and assorted household waste, lies rotting in the heat.
Florida South Residents Association chairperson Rodney Churchyard says plans to better utilise this space have been in the works for years, but there is simply too much red tape, making it nearly impossible to implement or afford.
The Roodepoort Record approached Johannesburg City Parks and Zoos (JCPZ) as well as JMPD, posing questions about the enforcement of illegal trading, dumping, littering and vagrancy bylaws, and whether any collaboration exists between the two entities when it comes to the management of open areas and parks.
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According to JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla, informal trading by-law enforcement, and illegal dumping falls under the responsibility of JMPD. He adds that the reports of illegal trading at the site will be investigated.
“We further acknowledge the severity and widespread nature of illegal dumping, and we are committed to addressing this problem within our capacity.
“We continuously review our strategies and collaborate with other departments to combat this issue effectively.
“While enforcement is a crucial aspect, addressing the root causes of illegal dumping often requires a broader approach involving public awareness campaigns, improved waste management infrastructure, and collaborative efforts with communities.
“The JMPD is committed to exploring more stringent strategies and punishments within the legal framework to deter this illegal activity.”
JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley adds that the entity’s legal compliance department has undertaken an investigation into the situation at the site, and will report back on their findings in due course.
