Invasion of City parks unacceptable
16 July 2020
Statement by Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien
Two City of Cape Town parks in Wallacedene were invaded by residents yesterday and plots marked. The City condemns any actions to illegally invade land, especially these recreational spaces which contribute to the well-being of the community.
At approximately 10:00 yesterday, Wednesday, 15 July 2020, community members in Wallacedene were seen clearing ground and marking out plots for erection of illegal living structures on a community park in Matobyele Street.
Officials from the Recreation and Parks Department immediately went out to the site and saw a number of people at work, some already erecting poles in preparation for erecting over 30 informal housing structures.
Nearby, another Wallacedene community park in Gumede Street was being similarly invaded.
There seemed to be no objection from community members who were onlookers, except for concerns about City staff taking photographs of the scene.
Invasion of city property and land prohibits effective service delivery and the development of beautiful spaces. We see people take advantage of the disaster regulations across the city from Observatory to Wallacedene. We cannot deliver world class facilities if residents continue to breakdown the foundations which we need to build on.
During the course of the day, play equipment which was permanently lodged in the ground, was displaced and discarded on to the street.
Sadly, many children took to playing on the damaged and discarded equipment which were completely unstable and dangerously scattered in the middle of a tarred road.
The department has prioritised the collection and removal of the play equipment for repairs and storage, in order to eliminate the safety risk for children.
The wanton destruction of recreational facilities, and the invasion of our parks, cannot be condoned.
Parks are developed and maintained in highly densified communities, primarily to benefit the youth who have no other alternatives for affordable, accessible and safe outdoor spaces for recreation.
The loss of parks directly impacts on the opportunity to do physical exercise, play and develop large motor skills, enhance social skills and promote overall social cohesion and community wellness.
Prior to the land invasions, illegal dumping was a constant challenge in these parks, making it difficult for the department to maintain cleanliness and cultivate a grassed surface. Ultimately, what determines whether a park will deteriorate or flourish, is dependent on how the community values and utilises the park.
As a City we acknowledge the need for housing, but we cannot sacrifice the few recreational spaces available.
There are several other parks in the area and I want to encourage residents to consider the value of these community assets and act to protect them by reporting any incidents to 0860 103 089.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
