Park still in dark after 4 years
DELAYS in repairing the lights at Woodhurst Park in Chatsworth have angered local residents.
The park is an important recreational spot in the area, but it has been dark for the past four years, according to community crime watch chairperson Suren Ganapathie.
Residents living close to the park are now demanding a response from the ethekwini Municipality.
They also say that burglaries in the area are increasing, resulting in home owners spending more on additional security features such as electric fencing, lighting and high concrete walls.
It was alleged that cable theft led to the park being in complete darkness, providing a perfect refuge for vagrants and criminals. Ganapathie said it was now dangerous for members of crime watch to conduct patrols at night.
“It’s very scary not knowing who’s watching us and what their next move will be,” he said. “During our patrols, we have encountered many vagrants who spend their nights here. Others who flee during our patrols have been known to be involved in crime in the area. We cleaned the bush behind our house last month and found some belongings there.”
The park itself was also not being properly maintained, said Ganapathie. Ward Councillor Tony Govender said the municipality’s response to residents’ complaints over the past four years had been to make empty promises.
“We have had several meetings with parks and recreation officials and electricity line managers but it was all a futile exercise. Lots of empty promises but little action as internal processes seem to have a missing link somewhere which is holding up the service delivery,” said Govender.
When approached for an update on the matter, city spokesperson Mandla Nsele said: “Thank you for bringing the matter to our attention. It has been reported to the lighting operations department and will be investigated.”