Much-needed upgrades to the De Waal Park fountain, which are currently underway, are set to be completed soon.
Repairs include the removal of the old water proofing and paint which have deteriorated. The in-let pipes will also be fixed and repaired.
Patricia van der Ross, Mayco member for community services and health, says the waterproofing membrane will be applied followed by two coats of Eco rubber waterproofing.
She adds the estimated cost of the repairs is R124 291.
The fountain was installed in 1898 and is the centrepiece of the park. The fountain stood in the middle of the park and was a source of drinking water coming from the upper levels, with the lower basin for dogs and horses.
It is made of Victorian cast iron and was bought from a mail-order catalogue from the same foundry as the bandstand, which was installed much later in 1904, and that was given to the City by Walter MacFarlane & Co of Glasgow for the Industrial Exhibition that was held at the Green Point common.
In the late 1980’s, the City built the pond around it and planted it with water lilies.
The drinking water to the park was later switched off due to the drought in the 1990s and after much negotiation with the City, it was connected to mountain water.
Van der Ross says the park remains open to the public and adds that the fountain will remain fenced off until the project is complete.
Mike Bosazza, chair of Friends of De Waal Park, says: “We were hoping to upgrade the fountain for some years, but when we reached out to the City, they said it was their responsibility. We are happy about this because we need the fountain.”
Friends of De Waal Park was established in 2008 by residents to help improve the 126-year-old public park and heritage site in Oranjezicht. They do this through regular clean-ups and maintenance projects.
Bosazza says over the years the park has become a place where people gather.
“The park is now a centre for the dog walkers. It is a place for people to meet and for dogs to run. The pond is a huge attraction. The city needs green spaces and the park is a wonderful green space. People come here to walk their animals. When you go to the park you will find that unlike many places in town people talk to each other, you get a feeling of warmth and community.”
Van der Ross says the fence in Upper Orange Street which was damaged during an accident more than a year ago, is also earmarked for repairs, but says exact dates have not been confirmed.
“The City has submitted an application to the heritage department for approval for the repair of the wall and the Bandstand. Once the application has been approved, repairs will commence. Timelines of repairs can unfortunately not be confirmed at this stage.”
