City Parks clears Suideroord waste, but residents say the job is only half done

Residents of Suideroord have raised concerns over what they describe as the ongoing neglect of the area around the Beautification Corner at the corner of Columbine and Potgieter streets.

The concerns were raised after residents said City Parks workers cut trees in the area approximately two months ago, leaving branches and other garden waste on the pavements.

A resident, Marjorie Labuschagne, said several complaints had been lodged with the City, including service request CSDFMC0634851, logged on July 3 at 14:00.

She also referred to an earlier complaint, CSDFMC0419687, on April 10, regarding a large pile of wood shavings that had allegedly been left at the Beautification Corner.

According to Labuschagne, City Parks eventually returned to the area and removed some of the wood shavings.

She said residents were now watching to see whether the remaining waste and tree branches would also be removed.

She also raised concerns about tree stumps in Nantes Street, which she said were still in place.

Residents have also questioned the presence of black refuse bags and rubble at the Beautification Corner.
According to residents, some of the black bags left by City Parks were later burnt during a veld fire. They claim City Parks has subsequently accused residents of dumping waste at the site.

Residents dispute this and say the waste was left there following work carried out by City Parks.

The situation has left residents frustrated, particularly because they say they have repeatedly reported the matter and contacted their local councillor.

They believe the Beautification Corner should be maintained as a community space rather than becoming an informal dumping area.

Residents welcomed the recent visit by City Parks but said they would continue monitoring the area until all outstanding waste and tree-related debris had been removed.