Let our children play again

IN a fledgling suburban concrete jungle where residential complexes are burgeoning in the CBDs, the importance of recreational parks cannot be more overstated.

The Municipal Open Space System for the City of uMhlathuze was implemented to incorporate areas of high biodiversity value linked together in a viable network of open spaces.

Throughout Zululand, greenbelts and open recreational areas – the ‘lungs’ of the City – are conservation areas and no development is earmarked for these zones, in line with larger metropolitans countrywide.

The City has in the past used some of the open spaces to create recreational areas and parks for children, which is much needed in both urban and rural areas.

However, children have sadly not benefitted from the designated zones because unmaintained open spaces have become crime hotspots for drug dealers and vagrants.

Failure to uphold municipal bylaws and non-monitoring by nuisance inspectors has resulted in playground equipment being vandalised with certain members of the public parking vehicles in recreational areas and consuming alcohol.

They are places earmarked for children yet, ironically, children are vulnerable and scared to play in these very areas.

Complaints from residents last year were followed up and the municipality promptly intervened by erecting poles in various open spaces, preventing motorists from entering these zones.

This move has been welcomed by the local community who collectively concur that playground equipment needs to be protected.

Maintenance in the form of refuse collection and cutting of the grass must be done timeously so that children can play in a safe and designated area.

Our parks need decent swings and jungle gyms, with dustbins and proper signage reiterating the City’s bylaws, which are clear.

No alcohol is allowed in these areas, vandalism is prohibited and no person may loiter in any public place for the purpose of prostitution or drug dealing.

person may not park any vehicles on an open space.

However, the bylaws have not been implemented and penalties have not been imposed on transgressors.

The onus however is just not on the municipality; the public must also take ownership.

Parents are encouraged to go together with their children to the parks.

Do not allow our recreational areas to become white elephants.

We need our children to play again in a safe, natural environment.