Problems in Rooitou Street and Park

Weltevreden Park’s Rooitou Street has been a problem for Ward 126 councillor Mike Tonkin for the past year.

According to Tonkin, Pikitup and City Parks have neglected their duties of maintaining the street and its public area Rooitou Park.

About a month ago both these entities stepped up and cleaned the messy park, and although the park is now a lot cleaner, the problems still remain.

One of the main problems is the overgrown storm-water drain that has been left uncut for the past year.

Tonkin said this could pose a problem when the next storm comes around as the water will be unable to run through the drain.

“City Parks needs to send in a team to remove the overgrowth as this drain is totally blocked,” Tonkin pressed.

The second problem he identified is a littered field despite the “No Dumping” sign erected in the middle of it.

“This board does not help as litter is strewn all over the place on a daily basis.

“I have contacted the parks entity about the issue and nothing has been done about it as of yet.”

The third problem is one that many Johannesburg residents have become accustomed to – street lights that are not working.

The lights in Rooitou Street are no exception as they have been off for the past month.

“Not only is the street pitch dark at night but it also raises the danger of housebreakings and hijackings in the area.”

No comment was received from either entity at time of going to print.

Details: Ward 126 councillor Mike Tonkin 082 564 0160.