Nelson Mandela Bay mayor, Retief Odendaal, has committed the metro to a clear plan to reclaim St George’s Park from criminals, vagrants and anti-social activities, and to give it back to the community.
Odendaal, joined by deputy mayor Mkhuseli Jack, and members of the Mayoral Committee, recently conducted an oversight inspection at the park.
They were also accompanied by municipal service delivery departments, the Metro Police, South African Police Services and private security companies.
Over the past five years, the condition of the iconic St George’s Park has deteriorated to a state of shambles. The park forms part of the residents of the city’s good memories, as some grew up using the park as a family picnic venue of choice, while others have used it to host their weddings and memorable family events.
The park is currently home to vagrants, criminals and drug peddlers who have taken over the park as a hideout from the rule of law. It used to also house some of the city’s sports clubs that have since moved out following a number of break-ins at the facilities that they leased.
Criminal activities have been reported where joggers and individual residents have been robbed of their belongings, with some sustaining injuries.
This situation was exacerbated by the COVID-19 lockdown during which criminals vandalised almost every clubhouse and facility in the park.
Through the Rapid Response Task Team (RRTT) based in the mayor’s office, the executive mayor has assembled an inter-departmental team that will work with the South African Police Services, private security companies and municipal security on a plan to restore the park to its former glory.
“We have heard the outcry from residents about this facility that holds beautiful memories for our people. Our inspection has revealed that the place has been run down and captured by vagrants and criminals, who use it not only to continue with their activities, but also as a hideout,” said Odendaal.
“Incidents of violent robberies have also been reported in this park.”
“As the leadership of the city, we are saying that it is time for action. We need to reclaim this place for the benefit of our residents and our children. We cannot accept that a facility that was a critical part of the development of this city in terms of recreation and sports development has been run down into an unusable state,” he added.
“Through the RRTT, a process plan will be developed, and the budget will be sourced from different relevant departments to implement it. This plan will be a blueprint to an approach we will take in all the parks of similar nature.”
– ISSUED BY THE NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY
