Derelict park angers Umtentweni ratepayers
For some years, a property group has held a lease on this property, yet little progress has been made towards revitalisation.
For more than two decades, residents of Umtentweni have watched with concern as John Mason Park (JMP) has deteriorated from sports fields to a space of neglect.
JMP stretches across nearly eight hectares with over a kilometre of pristine coastal frontage between the Mtentweni and Mzimkhulu rivers.
For years, this site was heralded as a prime location for a mixed-use project that would bring much-needed economic opportunities. But while glossy plans and grand announcements have been circulated – most recently by the Daku Group in partnership with South Coast Tourism, Investment and Enterprise – the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Nazir Shaikh, chairperson of the Umtentweni Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association said, in March 2017 to great fanfare, Xoliswa Daku, the CEO of the Daku Group presented the development plans to excited residents, but after more than eight years not a single brick has been laid.
“Instead of progress, we now have neglect. What was once a green, open space is now overgrown, unsafe and increasingly criminalised,” said Shaikh.
Diane Prepock, the secretary of the Tweni Community Policing Forum said, “Overgrown and vacant properties present opportunities for criminal activities, allowing offenders to evade law enforcement and community safety efforts in Tweni. Clearing and properly maintaining JMP as previously promised by the developers would greatly assist the CPF.”
Also, Ward 12 councillor, Leon Garbade said the proposed development of JMP has become a symbol of frustration for the community. “Despite the hopeful discussions surrounding various ambitious plans – including lifestyle units, hotels, shopping precincts, and conference centres, the reality is starkly different. The park has fallen into disrepair, serving instead as an illegal dumping ground. The failure of the developer to disclose whether an investor has been secured only adds to the uncertainty and disappointment felt by residents.”
Xoliswa Daku, the of CEO Daku Residential Properties, said future plans for JMP looks bright. “Despite the inherent complexities and time-consuming regulatory processes, I firmly believe that JMP has a bright future. Daku Residential is committed to ensuring that all development rights are secured, paving the way for the envisioned transformation.
“This ambitious undertaking will require the continued collaborative effort of all stakeholders to ensure its successful realisation. It is worth noting that in a normal development lifecycle, the entire process of acquiring development rights can often take up to three years, underscoring the typical lengthy nature of such projects,” said Daku.
She added that she understands the frustrations and concerns raised by residents regarding the delays. “However, it is essential to appreciate that the JMP development is a project of significant magnitude, involving intricate legal, environmental and engineering challenges. The aforementioned hurdles, while daunting are often inherent to developments of this scale.
“Despite these obstacles, we remain steadfast in our commitment. JMP is envisioned as an exciting mega-development poised to deliver substantial and multifaceted benefits to the local community, the province and South Africa,” said Daku.
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