DEAR Editor,-
I was a resident of Umtentweni for over eight years and noted the plans for a community park at the corner of Mgazi Avenue and Park Road with concern (SCH August 18). My comments:
– Has the proper procedure been followed? As far as I am aware there has to be public participation in matters of such importance. ‘Cllr Chetty advised that the matter had received unanimous support from the Tweni CPF and was raised at the Tweni Ratepayers’ meeting by Leila Edwards’. This statement is fatally flawed and incorrect – how could the Tweni community object if due process had not been followed? Derrick Morris, chairman of the Umtentweni Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association advised that ‘no real decision had been taken’, so how did this proposed park manage to get approved by Ray Nkonyeni Municipality without the consent of Tweni residents?
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN : OPINION: ‘Tweni residents are urged to comply’
– The property is not suitable for this purpose. I am extremely familiar with the terrain as I used to take walks past it. There is a massive ravine on the majority of the property, with only a small portion being level ground. The property is also extremely narrow and the ravine is treacherous to navigate. So how will the area be safe for the elderly or children to play in?
– Has an independent Environmental Impact Study been conducted? There is so little wildlife left in the area, why disrupt their habitat when there are surely more suitable locations for a park?
– The location is too obscure. This will only attract vagrants and result in criminal activity as there will be no supervision. How will this ‘create a safe and protected area for the youth of Umtentweni’ or ‘reduce the crime in the area’?
– Tweni is a quiet, peaceful community. Most residents are attracted to the area because of this. Why plan a park right in the middle of the residential area?
– I also note that the maintenance of the park is planned by the applicants. Are the applicants themselves supervising the area 24/7? What will happen if the applicants happen to move out of the area?
– ‘To improve the appearance of the area by removing all dumped materials, alien vegetation and litter’. I drove past the location last week – what litter are they referring to?
– ‘To enhance the value of the neighbouring properties’ – I am of the opinion that this planned park will reduce the value of the neighbouring properties as most owners do not want to live right next to a park because of the noise factor.
I agree that a community park will be a great idea for residents of Tweni, but the correct procedure has to be followed and a more suitable, central location needs to be found.
J WALKER
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
