Residents from SST informal settlement in Town Two, are appealing to the municipality to assist them drain the water from the local park.
They say the park became flooded after the rains early last month.
Resident Nomaphelo Vangqa said it has become a challenge as their children are struggling to play in it.
She said she keeps her children indoors to avoid disaster.
Vangqa said the park is the only playing facility for their children.
“We are appealing to the City to send trucks to come and drain the water from the park because our children have no other place to play. The worst part is that the water is stagnant. But the children are playing there even though there is water,” she said, adding that her concerns are their effects on the children.
Vangqa said she is worried that the water will damage the park, citing that it was revamped last year by the City. (“Newly refurbished play park provides SST children with healthy outlet to stay fit”, City Vision 2 March 2023).
Mabhele Mpunzi accused their ward councillor of never visiting them. “I don’t think the councillor knows about the park because he never came and checked us after the heavy rains. I don’t know when was the last time I saw him here. We don’t have a councillor here,” said Mpunzi.
Lucky Mbiza, Ward 96 councillor, said he was not aware of the problems and promised to go and see it when he has the time.
“I’m not surprised if there is water there because that area is a wetland. But I was not aware of it. I will go there and check the water then I will inform the City officials,” he said.
