By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo teams cleared trees, dead branches and invasive shrubs at Westpark Cemetery on Wednesday, 18 March.
- The MegaBlitz programme helps Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo catch up on work delayed by heavy rains and bad weather.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) sent teams from all seven of its regions to Westpark Cemetery on Wednesday, 18 March, as part of the city’s ongoing MegaBlitz programme.
The teams worked together to fix maintenance backlogs and bring the cemetery back to a proper standard.
They pruned trees, cut dead and dangerous branches, and cleared invasive plants and overgrown shrubs.
JCPZ said the work was not only about making the cemetery look better. The aim was also to make it safer and more accessible for visitors.
Westpark is one of Johannesburg’s most important heritage sites. JCPZ said keeping it in good condition is a priority.
The organisation said it usually tries to carry out maintenance before problems build up. But heavy rains and bad weather have caused delays.
The MegaBlitz programme helps the city catch up on work that has been left behind. It makes sure parks and cemeteries do not fall into poor condition.
JCPZ managing director Thanduxolo Mendrew said: “Westpark Cemetery is not just a public space, it is a place of memory, heritage and reflection. Our responsibility is to honour that through consistent care and visible action.”
Mendrew said the programme is part of a larger effort across Johannesburg to improve environmental care and maintain public spaces.
By sending teams region by region, JCPZ said it can make sure work gets done properly, residents see results quickly and natural areas are preserved.
Pictured above: Westpark Cemetery, Johannesburg.
Image source: JCPZ Spokesperson (Jenny Moodley).
