Municipality to add much-needed security features at Montclair Park

FOR a concerned Montclair resident, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel regarding his complaint of the dilapidated Montclair park on Wood Road. Nine months ago, before the senseless murder of Metro police officer, Captain Dumisani Zondi on Wednesday, 26 August, resident Deon le Roux took it upon himself to get the municipality to account for the state of the park.

With very little to no response from council, he further pressed on with the issue, sending out correspondences to city officials daily ever since. His efforts finally led to a meeting at the park on Monday, 7 September with ward 64 councillor, Gavin Hegter and Sebastian Nasan from the parks department.

“It is disheartening that a police captain, who I believe stayed the area, is now dead because of the municipality’s negligence,” Le Roux said.

In the string of e-mails which the SUN has seen, he informs officials that the policeman’s incident could have been avoided had they done their duty to return the park to its former glory. He adds that officials have failed the residents of Montclair dismally by failing to enforce the bylaws which is their duty and that the park remains a den for criminals and illegal activities that take place.

“The trees are so low that anybody can hide behind them, how can anyone feel safe walking through this park? There is a restaurant opening soon across the park, how can business be done when there are people loitering there? It is definitely a major concern, if we win this war here, we would have succeeded a lot.”

“Nine months is a long time to not achieve our goal. It is important to name and shame those accountable and not have them hide behind titles because that does not bring success. The main thing is putting berms so that cars can only go where they’re supposed to,” he added.

On a positive note, he thanked Superintendent Isabel Moolman from Chatsworth police, who follows up and sorts out reports for illegal trucks and illegal vendors in the area.

The councillor thanked Le Roux for his proactiveness as member of the community and for engaging with various municipal departments to address issues in the area.

“It is this kind of community involvement that ensures that our areas are maintained at the level that we are entitled to. Although the parks department is still battling with a limited staff compliment and a huge backlog due to the lockdown, we have had a very productive meeting and will hopefully see some improvements to the area. I would like to encourage others to become actively involved in saving our community like Le Roux has,” he said.

Spokesperson for eThekwini Municipality, Msawakhe Mayisela, said although he could not comment on the murder of the Metro police officer as this is being investigated by the SAPS,  complaints were received and that issues around the safety of the park and the maintenance of the park have been addressed with the councillor.

“It was explained that a berm or raised grassed area would be built this week around where the taxis enter. The park is maintained, however, the lower tree canopies will be raised by the parks staff,” he said.

The following changes will be made at the park: 

• The entire park to be protected by a berm especially on the corners of Wood and Montclair roads.
• Signage indicating no parking or vending will be erected. The present vendor’s licence expires at the end of October and officials will work on not renewing his permit but relocate him.
• The horticulturist will design and implement a garden in the vendor’s vacant area, the project to be spearheaded by cllr Hegter.
• Law enforcement will work closely with Metro police to address illegal vendors.
• Parks department will arrange for the room connected to the change rooms in the park to be bricked up, as it is used by vagrants.
• A clean up of empty alcohol bottles everywhere, even on the roof, will be arranged.
• Law enforcement officer, Metro police and Montclair SAPS will conduct regular operations at the park, particularly weekends.
• Parks department will arrange for all the trees in the park to be trimmed soon.  

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