Murray Park upgrade

The fence around Murray Park is almost complete.

The once beautiful and popular picnic spot is about to get a facelift.

Themba Gadebe, spokesman for the metro, said the fence is almost complete which is part of phase one.

Phase one of the project will be implemented at a cost of about R8-million and will also include the renovation of the hall and kiosks, infrastructure such as electricity, sewerage and water supply.

According to Gadebe the appointment of a contractor for phase one is in process of adjudication.

The tender was advertised from January 31 and closed on February 20 and an appointment will be done in June.

Ward councillor Ramesh Sheodin said after the last tenant left, Murray Park fell into disrepair and was vandalised, therefore the first phase entailed the fencing of the place to prevent further vandalisation.

“It once was a beautiful fishing and picnic spot, attracting people from everywhere in Ekurhuleni.”

The roofs, ablution facilities, swimming pools, electricity connections and all the playground equipment have been rendered useless because of theft.

Sheodin said the second and future phases will deal with the proposed expenditure on the rehabilitation of the park on the Integrated Development Plan as follows: financial year 2014/2015 – R4-m, for the period 2015/2016 – R7-m and the 2016/2017 period – R6-m.

According to Gadebe funds of about R13-m have been requested for phase two in the 2015/2016 financial years.

“Phase two will include inter alia, upgrading of the road, pathways, picnic areas, irrigation, hard and soft landscaping.

The replacement of indigenous trees and fixing of the putt-putt course is also part of phase two.