Park vandalised again
Chase Valley’s Hatcheries Park, a much-loved and well-supported community park has been vandalised once again - this time with roof sheeting from existing ablution facilities being removed.
While there has been no confirmation as to how the building came to be without a roof, all parties can agree that there has been malicious damage to property.
The park falling foul to criminal
activity is not new, however, it has saddened many as there have been strenuous efforts from the private sector to make the park a safe and fun-filled area for families.
In 2013, occupational therapist Farhana Vally’s NPO Growing Parks transformed the area from overgrown grounds rich with illicit activities, into grounds equipped with a climbing frame for children, swings, and braai facilities.
Then, in 2021 security company Mi7 successfully sought the municipality's permission to bring cleanliness to the area after it fell by the wayside again by bringing comprehensive landscaping, new playground installations, fence erection, and refurbishment of the braai facilities.
“While we have consistently managed the park’s vegetation, the absence of promised essential utilities like electricity and water has significantly hindered further improvements, particularly concerning safety measures,” Mi7’s National Group Director Colin David told The Maritzburg Sun.
David said the lack of infrastructure has delayed the companies’ plans to install cameras and lights.
“Such enhancements are not only pivotal for deterring criminal activities but also necessary for facilitating night-time security patrols and ensuring the well-being of any personnel stationed there,” said David.
The national director said the recent incidents of vandalism are concerning as they highlight the “urgent need for collaborative efforts to secure the park.”
“Without electricity, our ability to install surveillance cameras and lighting is constrained, which impacts overall security and safety.
“Additionally, the current lack of adequate ablution facilities poses a significant challenge for maintaining round-the-clock security presence,” said David.
CPF Chair James Martin said he encouraged more active community participation in the upkeep of the park as it was challenging for Mi7 to constantly monitor the area and keep it clean.
“The park is a municipal facility after all. Mi7 has already stepped up by reinforcing the fence and refurbishing some of the facilities there,” Martin explained.
Martin identified two major challenges to the park — vandalism and dumping.
“Vandals have stepped in and started destroying some of the infrastructure there and [CPF] has knowledge of instances where residents have dumped their waste there,” said Martin.
While Martin did not hesitate to discuss the issues facing the park, he remained confident that the park was safe and encouraged people to visit.
“In [CPF] weekly meetings there have been no incidents of park visitors getting robbed,” Martin said.
Councillor for the area Reggie Khanyile agreed with Martin’s sentiments that the security company cannot do anything more as the park is facing “excessive vandalism at this point” as “no one is looking after the park.”
He said the municipality either must look after the park responsibly or be prepared to allow others an opportunity to do so.
Khanyile said he has met with people and private companies who are interested in complete responsibility for the park and that he is currently lobbying for the municipality to lease the park out as he fears that the park's current condition is a safety risk.