The City has condemned the vandalism of Princess Vlei trail infrastructure, just three weeks after its official opening.
Initial information indicates that a group of suspects removed wooden slats from one of the footbridges along the 4,23 km circulatory trail in the early hours of Monday, 30 June.
City rangers caught the suspects in the act, but they fled the scene, leaving the wood behind.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, says it is extremely disappointing.
“Our Recreation and Parks Department is doing what it can, within available resources, to maintain a security presence on site. But Princess Vlei is an open space and the trail is several kilometres long, so community vigilance is essential.”
It has also since emerged that multiple signs have been damaged, and at least one of the sign boards has been defaced.
The City has invested R10,2 million in the circulatory trail and is working in partnership with the Princess Vlei Forum and local communities.
“We strongly condemn such destruction and disregard for the collective efforts to ensure universal access to community facilities. The responsibility rests with each and every one of us to guard community assets for the enjoyment of all.”
Higham officially unveiled the new Princess Vlei trail on 22 June:
Residents have been urged to share information about this act of vandalism with the City’s Public Emergency Community Centre on 021 480 7700 or anonymously, 24-hours a day, on 0800 110077.
