- Mayor Hill-Lewis and Minister Macpherson led a tree planting ceremony to reclaim the site after the eviction of illegal occupiers.
- Local learners from Battswood Primary School participated, promoting environmental education.
- The site will be transformed into a green, welcoming space with fruit trees and indigenous plants.
“We are turning the tide on urban decay” so described Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis as he helped plant the first wild olive trees on the open field at the Castle of Good Hope on Saturday 16 November.
The mayor was joined by Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, for a tree planting ceremony, which marked the start of reclaiming the site after the hundreds of illegal occupiers were evicted earlier this month (“Siege of our Castle defeated at last,” People’s Post 5 November).
Since the eviction, a fence has been erected to ensure no further illegal occupation.
Hill-Lewis said the day marked a significant milestone after the City struggled for years to get the site cleared.
“This has been the most high-profile site of urban decay for the past five years, so it’s good to see it finally resolved after years of efforts. In a few months, this will not be a sandy pitch, it will be beautiful and green.”
Promise
The mayor said they will ensure that other sites that are being occupied illegally are also restored.
“We are going to push back and ensure that our city, neighborhoods are places that are safe, healthy and dignified for the community as a whole.”
According to the mayor, eight of the illegal occupiers reintegrated with their families while 26 opted to move into the city’s Safe Spaces. The rest did not accept accommodation.
“For the last few years, people have not wanted to come here. It’s been unsafe, the robberies here have been high. Now we can start to make this a positive space a place that contributes rather than detracts from the city environment and that is what every public space should be.”
McPherson believes this marks significant progress in reclaiming the heritage site.
“This site represents progress. We have a commitment as the landowner to ensure that our assets don’t become liabilities to cities and became a place of crime or urban decay.”
The minister says they are in the process of reclaiming other sites around the country.
“We want to be responsible landlords. We are going to relentlessly pursue and reclaim our assets from those who illegally occupied them as they have no right to do so.”
Learners from Battswood Primary School in Ottery joined in and got their hands dirty.
Zania Oliver, teacher at the school, said the leaners form part of the school’s eco-club.
“Our school was invited to come and help with the cleanup. We installed a fynbos garden at our school and the kids did it themselves. We are trying to teach the learners about sustainability and caring for our planet now so that they can have a great future.”
Calvyn Gilfellan, chief executive officer of the Castle of Good Hope, explained that soon the spot will be a green welcoming site.
“We have some fruit trees and flowers. We will also bring in the indigenous element to see how we can incorporate what was here before the castle into the landscaping.”
