Corlett Gardens residents expressed some relief after a company contracted by the Department of Education undertook the task.
Ward 81 Councillor Magaret Radebe said she appreciated the work done by the department. “However, this shouldn’t be done because they were getting pressure, it should be a continuous effort,” said Radebe.
She also spoke of the safety of the residents. “If we have unserviced portions of land, it is unfair for residents in the areas affected.”
Resident Jabu Khumalo has been living in the area since 2000 and said the open veld had always been a problem. “Once it grows in summer, it takes too long for officials to come cut it,” said Khumalo.
He explained that criminals used the veld to hide in after they had committed crimes in the area. “We have always had to request City Parks or the department to come cut the grass.”
He suggested that the relevant department should rather use that land for recreational purposes while it was still vacant.
“Trackfields, or soccer fields for the community for now until they develop it. Many of our children play soccer in the street during school holidays whereas they could be safer in the park.”
