Councillor disappointed in the lack of security, vandalism at lake’s recreational facility
The R13-million project, carried out by Leafy Space and its subcontractors, included the installation of outdoor fitness equipment, a children’s play park, new pathways and lawns, as well as fully fencing the south bank.
The newly constructed multi million-rand state-of-the-art recreational facility at the Boksburg Lake has now been ruined by vandals and thieves.
Despite recommendations put forward by Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos that a security company be appointed to safeguard the public facility, the metro resolved to leave the property at the mercy of vandals and thieves since last year after construction work was completed and officially launched.
Part of the fence has been vandalised and water taps have been stolen.
Apart from being unprotected against thugs, the property has a very untidy and unkempt appearance, with rubbish, including plastic, cans and bottles, littered about, and the paved area and the lawn have become jungles of weeds.
The councillor had since last year been voicing concern over the safety of the newly installed fitness equipment and children’s equipment, saying the costly municipal assets have been left vulnerable to thieves and vandals.
He again stated that the only way to save the facility from criminals is to hire local companies to provide security and maintenance, as failure to do so would mean the new equipment will find its way to scrapyards.
“Without security, all the equipment here, metal items in particular, are on the verge of being stolen, and believe it or not, in two years’ time there will be nothing left in the park.
“It’s sad that the more than R13-m of taxpayers’ money the metro invested in constructing this state-of-the-art recreational facility is now going to waste because of poor planning by municipal officials.
“This property is not benefiting the city’s taxpayers. Instead, it’s attracting vagrants and drug and substance abusers – a condition that makes it an unattractive site for both locals and tourists,” said de Vos.
No comment was received from the metro at the time of going to press.
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