By Peter Chidarikire
BACK in the day, before the turn of the millennium, Greenwood Park, located in the peripheries of Harare’s Avenues area used to be one of the best recreational parks in the sunshine city. However, this is no longer the case, as the park has become an eye-sore in the past few years.
The park used to be a hive of activity as people used to frequent the area for its serene atmosphere, punctuated with a pleasant green lawn and bushy, well trimmed trees and flowers. In fact, such was the state of all the recreational parks in Harare’s Central business district such as the Africa Unity Square and the famous Harare gardens which has been the unofficial hang-out “home for domestic labourers” on weekends owing to its tranquil environment.
It is very worrying to note that last month (April), the media carried reports of suspected poisoning of fish in the Harare gardens pond, however, the type of poison could not be immediately ascertained. This makes it critical for authorities to put in place measures to avoid a repeat of such barbaric and unfortunate incidences in future. At the time, a Fisheries specialist, Lilian Nyashanu confirmed the sad development while mentioning that water samples had been taken to the laboratory for testing.
Residents have continually blamed the Harare City Council for neglecting these recreational spaces. Recreational parks used to attract large numbers of people from all age groups as the adolescents would use the spaces for doing their school work, while the elderly would take occasional walks, infants and toddlers taking to the swings that were strategically placed in these parks for their amusement. Others would go there to spend quality time with their loved ones as they spoiled each other during mini-picnics. Most of the infrastructure is now dilapidated due to lack of consistent maintenance and the swings have become a danger to children.
Turning to the high density suburbs of Harare, most recreational parks have been turned into places of worship by residents. For instance, the Mabvuku Park situated opposite Mabvuku High School is now a place of worship for a variety of white garment Apostolic sects popularly known as Mapositori, not to mention illegal farming activities that are depleting the park at an alarming rate. The fencing which used to protect the park has since been vandalised, while the fish pond is now empty and dirty. It is high time that responsible authorities act and return the parks to their previous glory.
Commenting on the issue, City of Harare Spokesperson, Mr Innocent Ruwende said that council was seized with the matter and are in the process of mobilising residents and individuals to take ownership and assist in the refurbishment of the facilities in partnership with the City.
“Plans are underway to mobilise residents so that they can come on board to partner council in efforts to refurbish recreational facilities around the capital. The process is already beginning to bear fruit in some communities.
“On the issue of vandalism, I urge communities to unite and fight against acts of destruction, and those found on the wrong side of the law shall face its full wrath, as it is the duty of every member of society to make sure that the recreational parks are protected. Acts of vandalism are against development of the nation,” Ruwende said.
