With school holidays already underway and families looking forward to spending time together this holiday season, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) is maintaining its public parks.

During his speech at the final sitting of CoE’s council, executive mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina said many of the city’s parks are frequented by community members during this time of year.

The speech was made on November 28 at Germiston Council Chambers.

Masina said the city has constructed 138 parks in the city to ensure every community in the city has a park.

“The city believes parks are instrumental in the protection and preservation of the natural environment.”

He explained that millions of rands have been invested in the city’s wards for communities to develop programmes and initiatives to improve their community.

“Different wards have undertaken various programmes and initiatives, including but not limited to the establishment of parks, walkways and other programmes.”

Masina noted that the city launched the Welgedacht Regional Park, designed and developed according to the Spruitview Park model.

Welgedacht Regional Park provides sports and recreation amenities.

Masina said during December, the Keep Ekurhuleni Clean programme will resume.

This ward-based programme intends to intensify the partnership with communities in keeping their wards clean.

“Beneficiaries will not only be engaged in the cleaning, but will be instrumental in promoting education and awareness on issues affecting the environment,” said Masina.

Masina highlighted the city’s quest to establish world-class botanical gardens is well underway.

“In our preliminary design and consultation phase, Gillooly’s Farm was earmarked for this project.

“Additionally, we are continuing to look for suitable land for the development of a zoo.”

Masina said it important to understand that the city is not pursuing a zoo and botanical garden for the sake of just having them.

“We are pursuing them because they will have significant benefits for the residents of our city as well as a positive impact on the environment,” explained Masina.

“Botanical gardens devote their resources to the study and conservation of fauna and flora, providing opportunities for learning, research and the overall maintenance of healthy living.”