By Nkosenhle Sibisi
Following the deteriorating state of the city’s parks and sport grounds, the Asherville Ratepayers Association (ARA) and ward 31 councillor, Remona McKenzie, met with eThekwini Parks Department to discuss ways to upkeep and maintain the recreational facilities in Asherville.
At the meeting which was held on Tuesday, 13 September, it was proposed that the ARA will now be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the parks in Asherville.
Dr Annie Singh, the chairperson of the Asherville Ratepayers Association said that it is sad to see people exploit parks such as Clayton Park and Cactus Lane to a deteriorating state.
“Clayton Park has become a haven for illegal dumping, prostitutes and drug addicts. The landmark Asherville Grounds is also in a appalling state. An overview of the Asherville Grounds has revealed that the club houses were being occupied by vagrants and unlawful tenants who had been using the facilities as their place of abode. The ARA will now be working in collaboration with the parks department to ensure that the facilities are improved, the grass is cut and maintained and made user friendly for the residents,” said Singh.
Dr Singh added that these are exciting times for ARA and the organisation is optimistic about the collaboration with the department
“Members of the organisation are over the moon about the collaboration with the parks department which will now allow the upkeep and maintenance to be effected and initiated by the ARA. The mentioned parks have now been officially “adopted” by the ARA via legitimate processes which have been approved by the municipality. A landscaper and a horticulturalist have been consulted about the anticipated work. The immediate plans for the Cactus Lane Park include the rehabilitation of the grounds and a rock feature at the entrance of the park,” added Singh.
Imraan Vorajee, chairperson of the Asherville Community Police Forum said that he has mixed feelings regarding the adoption of parks and open spaces.
“These spaces are supposed to be for the enjoyment of all children. With the adoption of these spaces by residents or community bodies, they end up getting fenced and closed-off to people. Yes, this initiative will definitely decrease criminal activities however, there is more to lose than gain. I feel like for the municipality, the Adopt-a-Spot initiative was the easy way out because they are not competent enough to do it themselves,” said Vorajee.
