By Msindisi Fengu

Public parks in an East London suburb, which became a haven for criminals and drunkards, have been given a remarkable makeover by Buffalo City Municipality.

Following reports by the Dispatch on the state of the open areas in Southernwood, BCM paved the parks in St James and St Georges roads, installed new lights and cut the grass and bushy areas.

Municipal spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said the process of maintaining the parks was part of a project to beautify the city.

“Following concerns raised by residents during our public hearings and in platforms like the Daily Dispatch Dialogues, we have made inroads in ensuring that we use resources, including finance, to make our communities safer.

“We heard the call from the communities that open spaces were becoming crime hotspots and we wanted to change that as our law enforcers have committed to be more visible in these areas.”

The project to beautify the city is part of BCM’s turnaround strategy to ensure communities live safely, said Ngwenya, adding that Jungle Gyms would be erected for children to play on.

The project would also boost tourism, he said.

“We want to go beyond community consultation processes, and we encourage residents to use our customer care call centre to report their concerns.”

Southernwood residents said at a Dispatch Dialogues meeting that the parks had deteriorated to such an extent that people were defecating in them in broad daylight in full view of residents.

Jill MacGregor, from the SA National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence based in St Marks Road, said: “We encourage and appreciate what BCM has done for the community.

There is little space here for children and the youth to play and the parks provide just that.”

Resident David Siphoso , who works at Life St Dominic’s Hospital, said BCM had done a good job by installing lights in the park.

“It’s much safer when I go home in the evening from work. They also cleaned up and there’s no longer a terrible smell coming from garbage.”

Resident Pamela Ntintili , however, said crime was still a huge concern. “While we appreciate what BCM has done, crime is still rampant.

Last week a lady was mugged of her cellphone by a youngster during the day. We would really appreciate some police visibility here.”

Nwabisa Kolisi said: “At least now, there is no long grass, bushes have been removed and also there is paving.”

East London police spokesperson Superintendent Mtati Tana said police were patrolling the Southernwood area and its parks.

“We have a 24-hour patrol, and police are always on guard,” he said.

Source: Daily Dispatch