CONCERNS OVER DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE IN MEMORIAL GARDENS
More security needed in Memorial Gardens
THE Memorial Gardens in Komani, once a haven for families in which to relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings, is fast becoming a hangout spot where drugs and alcohol are being consumed.
The gardens, located in Robinson Road in Komani, fall under the jurisdiction of the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality.
A member of the grounds staff, who wanted to remain anonymous, said a problem existed with young people who were drinking in the gardens over weekends, leaving the bottles behind and the facility in a general filthy state.
“On Mondays, we have to clean their filth such as faeces and other disgusting things. I know I am a cleaner, but some things are outrageous and not good for our health.”
He said a high fence and security should be provided to keep the facility cleaner and safer for the general public.
“We do try to chase away the youngsters who smoke their drugs here but they are not always afraid of us.”
A Westbourne man who did not want to be named was sitting on a bench in the park with two friends.
He said people were being robbed while walking home from a tavern situated opposite the park.
“We are drunk and defenceless and what else can we do as the youth? As a result, we become targets on the way home – the police should pull up their socks.”
The youths agreed that more entertainment facilities should be provided to keep the youth busy and away from drugs.
The Rep reporter observed a few groups smoking dagga in the park during the time of the interviews, which were shortly after 2pm last Thursday.
The issue of safety in the park was raised with the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality with spokesman Fundile Feketshane acknowledging there was a problem at the public gardens.
He said a security guard, based at the gardens, had to be relocated to another area.
“We have submitted a request to our safety and security directorate for assistance before the close of the 2016/2017 financial year and we are awaiting their response. As an interim intervention, our parks department has written to surrounding schools.”
This was, he said, according to a municipal assessment that schoolchildren were perceived to be the ones using drugs in the area.
“We will write another letter when the schools re-open to sensitise them about this problem and also engage the security cluster.”
He said in 2014, a business plan was developed to fence the gardens but due to financial and budgetary constraints it could not be done.
“When we receive financial assistance as the parks department, we will definitely fence the park.”