After years of neglect, rising criminal activities, and concerns about the local parks potentially being handed over to developers, plans are underway to fence off Stanmore Park. DA eThekwini deputy leader and Ward 50 Councillor Lyndal Singh said that the park is expected to be fenced in the next block sum allocation.
Singh explained that the fencing project, along with the construction of dedicated parking areas, is part of long-overdue upgrades to public facilities in Ward 50. “Woodview Park was fully fenced in 2024 and Stanmore Park is expected to be fenced in the next Block Sum Allocation. This year, both Woodview Park and Stanmore Park will also see the construction of dedicated parking areas. These are long-overdue upgrades, as Ward 50 has not seen such improvements to public facilities in decades,” she said.
Singh added that Stanmore Park will have a single controlled entrance and exit, with set opening and closing times. “This measure aims to curb criminal activities by preventing unauthorised access, particularly at night. It’s also very important that I point out the difference between block sum allocation and community-based planning. The funding for block sum allocation projects comes from a budget allocated to each ward for local development projects at the discretion of the ward councillor. However, it is important to note that all funds and contractors are managed and appointed by municipal officials, not the ward councillors.”
Singh explained that the block sum allocation is designed to give ward councillors flexibility in responding to local needs, ensuring community-driven development. “While it allows for discretionary spending on ward-specific projects, it differs from community-based planning (CBP), which emphasises public participation in decision-making.”
“Community-based planning (CBP) is a participatory process where residents identify their community’s needs and priorities, directly influencing the municipality’s integrated development plan (IDP). In eThekwini, CBP projects follow a community-driven approach, ensuring active participation where residents are directly involved in planning decisions that affect their neighbourhoods, ward-based implementation where projects are designed to address localised needs and integration with the IDP where community input from CBP meetings is incorporated into the city’s broader development plan,” said Singh.
Resident of Grove End and Ward Committee Portfolio member, Mr P Ganesh added: “I welcome the upcoming project for Stanmore Park. This will definitely be a plus factor for residents of the area. Due to the Park being left as an open space, without any upgrade over the years, it has become an access way for criminals and a haven for addicts and prostitution. With fencing being erected, this will be eradicated. I want to thank the eThekwini Municipality and Cllr Lyndal Singh for their involvement in the upgrade of the Park, as this was a concern for many residents in the area.”
“I strongly encourage all residents to participate in CBP consultations whenever the municipality advertises them. Your engagement in these meetings is essential to ensuring that your needs and concerns are heard, considered, and ultimately implemented,” Singh concluded.
