Plans to have the Observatory War Memorial restored are in the pipeline for the next financial year.
The upgrade forms part of a project which includes the Village Green and the Metro Police Academy among others.
The monument was erected during the early 1920s in memory of the men from Observatory who lost their lives in the war.
Four plaques identify the monument and list the names of the fallen men.
Inscribed on the base of the monument is a call on everyone to: “Build on the foundations laid by their great sacrifice”.
Yusuf Mohamed, Ward 57 councillor, says: “The idea is an upgrade to the erven of the green and the parking area of the community centre.”
He says R700 000 of his ward allocation will go towards this project.
According to Mohamed, the exact costs of the upgrades will still be determined. “The Village Green portion of the project will see the entire area fenced, rehabilitation of the grass and landscaping, a potential gym and play equipment in this phase should the budget allow. The financial year to follow will see additional upgrades to create a complete community space with tables and chairs and other amenities.”
The councillor says in the coming months residents will be able to make recommendations regarding plans for the Village Green.
“I am in the process of having several concept proposals developed that we will then take to public participation within the area.”
A group of homeless people is currently living in the park.
Gregory Jacobs (58) says he has been living on the street for the past 30 years. He currently lives in Village Green.
“I don’t prefer living in a shelter. I am a craftsman and collect broken wooden items which I fix up and try to resell. If I go to a shelter they won’t allow me to do that there. I also cannot afford the fees of the shelters. I don’t know where I will go if they upgrade the park here. I am looking for a sponsor who can fund me because my dream is to have my workshop.”
Faiek McPherson (43) also resides in the park. He says: “The conditions at the safe spaces are almost the same as living on the street.”
Lorna Hendricks says she and her daughter are living in the park. “I came to live here because of my daughter. I don’t think I will make it in a shelter so from here we will have to look for another place.”
Mohamed says while some have accepted assistance from the City, others declined.
“Those that wanted assistance are receiving the best the city, OBSCID and local NGOs have to offer. At this stage, every option to assist the remaining individuals on the green has been exhausted and declined. Further to that we will continue to help those towards a life of dignity and the project will continue to go ahead.”
