From park to dumping site

The open space in Protea North between Ntloko and Kunene Street is posing a threat to the livelihoods of residents who are residing at the single-stream houses facing Reasoma High School.

The open space which happens to be at the back of their yards has been turned into a rubble dumping site with overgrown weeds. This has led to residents experiencing house robberies, and people smoking behind their walls whilst others park behind their walls and do all sorts of activities, including sexual activities.

Nthabiseng Maseko, residing at Ntleko Street says that they have been informed that the open space at their backyards is Eskom’s territory; however this open space only brings the problems for them as residents.

“We have people jumping over our walls to steal our geyser copper pipes. When we clean the space, we are unknowingly opening it up for people to come and go as they please,” said Maseko.

Maseko admits that to eliminate crime they have to clean the open space at least on a monthly basis. However, it’s not everyone can afford to clean or hire someone to clean for them and that compromises their safety and health.

Residents are urging Joburg City Parks and Zoo to at least look at the situation in hand and see if they can assist by coming up with a suitable solution.

The side of Mapetla Park, just opposite Elmon Malele Precinct is flooded with plastics. The community is called to join hands in ensuring that they stop dumping in the parks but maintain and keep them clean.