Residents of Die Boord neighbourhood in Stellenbosch are frustrated over a perceived increase in littering and mistreatment of the community park near Die Boord shopping centre.
This is according to Laura Kotzé, a resident in Die Boord.
“There’s more trash around the sitting area than in the bins less than 10 metres away from the benches,” claimed Kotzé.
Laura Kotzé, a resident from Die Boord, discarding her waste in one of the bins near the park’s sitting area. PHOTO: Christopher Naidoo
According to Kotzé, the park was a lot cleaner and better managed in previous years. She said that she is concerned about how the park has gotten increasingly dirtier and is continuously being misused by members of the community.
By the time of publication, Stellenbosch Municipality was unable to determine the exact location of the park, or whether the park was privately owned or owned and managed by the municipality.
“We encourage residents to reach out to us directly with any concerns regarding the park,” said Stuart Grobbelaar, communications manager at Stellenbosch Municipality.
SMF News witnessed large amounts of litter near and around the pathways of a community park during a visit to the area on 10 March. PHOTO: Christopher Naidoo
Die Boord residents frustrated
Meanwhile, some residents have taken to social media to express their frustrations and concerns over the increasing mistreatment of the park.
“A person thought it well to relieve himself on the bridge in plain sight for all to see,” said a Facebook user who posted anonymously to the Stellenbosch Community group. The user said that there are kids going or coming from school, as well as women around the park, making it very inappropriate and disgraceful.
“My family and I spend time here every Sunday,” said Faith Mhlongo, a Stellenbosch resident who works in Die Boord.
However, the large amount of dumping around the park’s pathway is making it difficult for residents to walk in peace due to the foul smell coming from the illegal dumping, said Mhlongo.
SMF News also witnessed varying amounts of dog faeces scattered along the park’s pathway.
“Residents are not cleaning up after their dogs and it is making the park’s pathways smell as well as difficult to walk through,” said Kotzé.
“The community hasn’t really taken a stand,” said Kotzé.
There are no known initiatives being taken by community members to protect the park’s environment, besides complaints, according to Kotze.
“I have seen the municipality clean the park a few times,” claimed Kotzé. “I think the issue lies between both the residents and the municipality. The municipality can do a lot more to keep the space clean, and there should be consequences for residents that misuse the park.”