Residents frustrated over state of park
A park in Dersley Park has been used for illicit activities and poses a threat to park users.
Residents of Dersley Park are frustrated by dubious and illicit activities at the community park on Epidote Road.
Some residents gathered at the park recently to speak out about the unhygienic conditions that they come across.
According to a resident Melissa Cronje, it has been almost two years since they first complained about the state of the park, citing that their concerns to the City of Ekurhuleni have not been heard.
“There has been an increase in people who use the park for illegal and sexual activities,” said Cronje.
“Time and again, we come across used condoms and other horrendous stuff at the park. We cannot as families enjoy the park.”
Cronje said people come to the park in the early mornings or at night.
“This is a ticking time bomb. If the state of the park is not taken as a huge concern, we will,” Cronje said.
Youth advocate Kevin Mthombeni says over the years they have witnessed the state of their community deteriorating, with crime increasing as well.
“We have a lot of illegal substances that we find here, and the unfortunate part of this is that there are small children who play in the park,” said Mthombeni.
“What impression does that leave on them?”
Mthombeni said they were willing to contribute their time and support an initiative to see change within their community.
