By Nkosenhle Sibisi
Asherville residents have raised concerns over the poor maintenance of municipal parks. They said that they have had enough of eThekwini Municipality’s slow pace in maintaining recreational parks. Imraan Vorajee, Asherville Community Police Forum chairperson said Clayton Park has become a nest for criminals due to zero maintenance which has led to overgrown grass in the park.
Vorajee said that the equipment at the park has either deteriorated or is completely broken due to the City’s poor maintenance.
“Parks or spots in some communities have been adopted by residents who are willing to fix the infrastructure themselves instead of waiting for the municipality. The condition of the Clayton Park is alarming and has forced residents to stop using it as they fear for their safety. Failure to maintain parks is really disappointing. As residents, we look forward to enjoying our open spaces especially after Covid-19. The open spaces are a sanctuary, with poor maintenance, the parks aren’t even a pleasure to visit. One just becomes frustrated to see all the dirt, vagrants, unkempt grass and broken equipment. This issue also contributes to crime and lawlessness. On numerous occasions we have found people sleeping in parks, taking refuge after stealing or hiding in the overgrown grass, it’s really a major concern,” said Vorajee.
He added that it is not fair for residents to adopt spots and look after them while there is a department tasked with maintenance of the parks.
“Residents adopting spots is definitely unfair, people pay exorbitant rates and this covers maintenance of parks. Why must residents now take responsibility for open spaces at a cost to them. However, on the flip side when residents adopt a spot they do a much better job at keeping it clean and maintained but the downside is that the spot becomes the personal playground of just a few people whereas if municipality maintained it, many more people will enjoy the parks. The councillor has been instrumental in trying to get things done however, I think she gets the run around from the relevant departments and I think she needs to put more pressure on them and the municipality to get things done,” he said.
Vorajee said the City needs to have a proper rotational system of cutting grass and supervising those who are tasked with doing the job. “The last time they cut grass in Clayton Park, they did just a portion and left the balance of the grass unsightly and long. I cannot remember when last litter was picked up either. People also dump refuse and rubble in the park and the City does not remove it. The bottom line is, the municipality must do what they get paid to do, it’s their job,” he said.
Kody Chetty, resident and deputy chairperson of the Asherville Community Police Forum (ACPF) said that Clayton Park has been neglected for some time now, despite numerous pleas from residents.
“The lights at the park have not been working for a few years. As a result of this darkness, criminal activity which includes prostitution has become rife. The ACPF does regular patrols in that park but the lack of proper lighting makes it difficult. Due to the lack of maintenance, residents battle to play soccer and other sport on the open field as there are broken bottles and other glass strewn all over the grass. Another issue is the lack of proper fencing, the jungle gyms and swings have been stolen and some destroyed. Children who play there get injured by the broken glass, stones, and other materials thrown in the park, and due to the presence of faeces and other waste, it is easy for infections to occur. There is a storm water issue that has not been attended to for many years and as a result, the one bank is always damp, which has contributed to the road collapsing several times,” he said.
Ward 31 councillor, Remona McKenzie said she contacted the city’s parks department about the grass not being cut to the length stipulated by the department.
“There is a schedule for grass cutting and the department will start cutting it soon. The broken equipment thrown in the park is from residents who are dumping. We have a serious problem with dumping. Community members residing near these parks must be vigilant and report illegal dumpers so that they can be fined. Thank you to the CPF and the Ratepayers Association in Asherville for doing their best working with Metro Police. It is important that when we identify issues, for example drugs in parks, the relevant department must be informed. I have been conducting oversights in parks and I am currently compiling a report to hand to parks department. This will help to identify what is needed in each park so that the department should implement what is required,” she said.
