No waste on Gresswold park project
JOBURG – 'The R6 million used to develop parks should've been used to send poor children to school'.
A concerned Joburg East resident has accused local government of wasting money on ‘unnecessary’ projects rather than investing it in children.
In an email sent to North Eastern Tribune on 18 December, Chandre Sticht denounced the City of Joburg for spending over R6 million on the restoration of Gresswold and Savoy parks.
In an article in Week ending 24 November, Joburg City Parks and Zoo announced that they will be spending R6 million to develop the two parks. Sticht, however, feels that it is unnecessary to spend so much money on this and said it could be used for ‘better’ purposes including taking children to school.
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“Regarding the recent so-called [revamp of] the Gresswold parks, what a waste of money that should have been used to help the poor,” said Sticht.
“Many people do not have money to send their children to school. And to put gym equipment in the park… don’t you know in Africa they break and steal equipment like this and sell it for scrap?
“All I can say is one rich guy is getting richer by doing this as there was nothing ever wrong with the park. Plus, the number of dustbins in the park, they’re enough for the whole of Johannesburg.”
In his reply, Ward 74 councillor David Fisher, said Sticht might not like parks. He said people have different needs and, as the City, they need to keep a balance, adding that those of taking children to school is also in the mix.
“We have to try to balance your needs, mine and other people’s needs – it’s a fact,” said Fisher in a telephonic interview with Tribune.
The City has a budget of about R50 million and it is split among different needs including education, health, housing and others including developing parks, he added.
As for the concern about gym equipment being stolen, the councillor said they recognise that and they have plans in place to combat such crime in the area.
“Other than that, we urge residents to also play their part and ensure the safety of these pieces of equipment. The more you use something, the more it will become safe as well. This will create an inclusive and safe environment,” said Fisher.
* Ed’s note: The sign in the park has been spelt incorrectly, and should read Gresswold.
Details: David Fisher 082 822 6070.
