Frustration is mounting among residents over the state of Outspan Bird Sanctuary, with community members now formally requesting answers from City Parks about what they describe as ongoing neglect.

Following recent grass-cutting efforts at the sanctuary, residents said several concerns remain unresolved. While a maintenance team was deployed, only part of the park was cleared, and piles of cut grass and debris were left behind. Residents are questioning what the official maintenance schedule for the park entails and how often grass cutting is meant to take place.

According to a community member, Daphne Schwab, it took more than six months of repeated requests before any intervention occurred. Concerns have also been raised about whether teams will return to complete the clearing and why heavier equipment was not used to tackle the dense overgrowth. The reliance on weed eaters alone, residents argue, has proven insufficient in managing nearly two-metre-high grass and debris.

Read more: Conservation status at heart of Outspan Bird Sanctuary dispute

In addition to maintenance issues, residents report increased sightings of rats and snakes in the area, prompting questions about whether any environmental or public safety assessments have been conducted. Further compounding the problem is visible erosion along the stormwater outlet and stream running into the greenbelt, which residents said had worsened following heavy rains.

The community is now seeking clarity on whether there is a long-term maintenance or rehabilitation plan in place to prevent further deterioration of the park and to ensure that residents can safely access and enjoy the public green space.

Questions were sent to City Parks, and the spokesperson, Jenny Moodley, said, “Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) acknowledges the concerns raised by park users and adjacent homeowners regarding maintenance delays at the affected conservation site.”

She extended an apology on behalf of the entity.

Also read: Neglect at Outspan Bird Sanctuary leaves residents frustrated

“JCPZ extends a sincere apology for the inconvenience and frustration caused. We recognise the impact of seasonal backlogs, that prolonged overgrowth may have on residents’ comfort, safety perceptions and enjoyment of the space.”

Moodley elaborated that it was important to note that the area was a demarcated conservation site. As such, mowing and landscaping interventions are intentionally limited in certain sections to protect natural habitats, encourage indigenous vegetation, and sustain the rich biodiversity within the park.

“Maintenance standards in conservation areas differ from ornamental parks in that ecological preservation, rather than manicured aesthetics, is the primary management objective. The park is scheduled for maintenance twice per financial year, in line with operational capacity and ecological management principles. There has however, been delays due to the unavailability of the assigned contractor.”

She added that the plan was to maintain the park towards the end of last year. However, heavy rainfall during that period resulted in further overgrowth.

“Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo appreciates the community’s ongoing partnership and understanding in protecting and preserving the city’s valued conservation spaces.”

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