City of Cape Town officials visited the vandalised play park in Beacon Valley on Tuesday to inspect the damages after a group of children allegedly torched the newly renovated park benches and tables.
Residents, who use the park in Hengelaar Street, say they are gatvol of kids damaging their park, that was upgraded in December at a cost of R250 000.
Community activist Tina McDonald, 63, is the caretaker of the park and says she tries her best to keep her hand on the park since it was built in February 2019.
Ward councillor Michael Pietersen expressed disappointment at the vandalism and said before the park was erected, the area had been used for years for illegal dumping and as a criminal hideout.
Mayco Member for Community Services and Health Councillor Zahid Badroodien was on site yesterday and said there’s no money to fix the damage.
“A park bench was damaged by the fire at this park, valued at approximately R12 350.
“The park was kept locked because it is still under construction, but a site inspection found that the locks were broken which is likely how they gained access to start the fire.
“While we have invested in security hardening measures where possible, this is unsustainable in the long term, given the extent and rate of vandalism and theft.
“The department does not have the budget to replace or reinstate vandalized facilities at this time. Our appeal is thus to communities to take ownership of facilities in their areas.
“This includes speaking out against vandalism, occupying the spaces in a constructive manner to reduce the risk of vandalism and community patrols to guard against acts like these.”