Former health hazard transformed into park

THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality unveiled a R1.8-million stormwater pond rehabilitation project in KwaNobuhle yesterday, eliminating what has been a health hazard for residents in the area.

Residents of Molly Blackburn Street will no longer have to worry about flooding or children drowning in stagnant water.

The metro has started rehabilitating the pond, which had previously created a number of problems for the community as water levels would often rise to about 1.2m and flow into their homes.

There were also reports of children drowning in the pond.

But residents were happy yesterday and hailed the municipality.

Work has already started as the area is transformed into a recreational park, which also boasts a soccer field.

Nompumelelo Blaauw, 35, said: “We are happy that the municipality has worked on this pond.”

Project manager Zama Kele said the water came from the stormwater reticulation network from surrounding areas.

“The park is [now] a safe area for families as it is fenced,” he said.

“It will be something similar to St George’s Park. We expect it to be completed by June, but in the meantime people can come and enjoy a picnic.”

Mayor Athol Trollip said when he visited the area recently, it was just dust. “I wanted the area to be turned into a park,” he said.

“Young people should come play football here and young couples should also come here and talk about their future.

“We want to turn townships into suburbs.”

The municipality gave picnic baskets to 70 elderly people.