Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), has begun the clean-up, rehabilitation, and beefing up security at its recreational facilities in Roodepoort.
This follows community complaints relating to safety, homelessness and maintenance challenges.
Thanduxolo Mendrew, the Managing Director of the JCPZ, said work would be undertaken at Little Falls Ridge, Helderkruin and Little Falls Resort.
This entails mowing grounds, trail maintenance, river and waterfall clean-up, alien invasive plant eradication, building maintenance, water quality testing, signage improvements, clearing of abandoned structures and recycling material, as well as the installation of public-use infrastructure, including centralising a braai area.
The operation will be supported by two cooperatives (26 workers), one contractor (10 staff), and JCPZ internal teams, with a coordinated safety presence including 30 JCPZ Rangers, 7 Protected Areas officials, JMPD by-law enforcement, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Gauteng Crime Prevention Unit.
Mendrew said “Little Falls Ridge is a public conservation asset, not a lawless space. This Mega Blitz is about restoring safety, dignity, and order — and we are calling on residents to stand with us in protecting it.”
Residents are also urged to avoid anti-social behaviour in the facility, safeguard public infrastructure, and report criminal activity, vandalism, illegal occupation and related transgressions to JMPD on 011 375 5911.
Picture: LIFCO