Illegal occupants removed as conservancy is to be extended

Law enforcement officers started to remove illegal squatters on Reservoir Island on the border of Arboretum and Dan Pienaar close to Albrecht Street on Monday 2 February.

Michael Deutschmann, manager of Westdene Neighbourhood Association, contacted the Mangaung Metro Law Enforcement department to remove the squatters on the koppie at the corner of Albrecht and Brill Street.

He said members of the department promised to return on Tuesday 3 February to remove the three structures erected here in the veld.

“We estimate that there are six to seven people living here in the koppie, but some were not there when the officials arrived.”

Deutschmann says littering and vagrants remain a big problem at Happy Valley and Reservoir Island. He asks residents to join and make a contribution to fence this area and make it safe for enjoyment of the community.

This follows the huge success that the WNA had in establishing the Westdene Park Conservancy opposite Albrecht Street in 2025 after it was fenced. which was funded by residents and businesses.

The area, which is part of the Mangaung Metro’s green zone, is being managed through the metro’s Adopt a Park policy by the Friends of Westdene Park.

After a huge effort to clean up the park, paths were established, the fence with controlled access points for use by members of Friends of Westdene Park as well as benches were installed.

Two springbucks and 40 tortoises have since been moved to the park and added to the bird life and other small animals that live in the area of 10ha.

This clean-up by law enforcement is the beginning of the second phase by Westdene Park Conservancy rehabilitating Reservoir Island and Happy Valley.

Deutschmann said they have started with fund-raising to also fence off these two green spaces.

“We have the support of the cycling and trail running community,” he assured BloemNews, as there is a well established cycling and running route at Happy Valley.

Residents of Westdene and Dan Pienaar are already picking the fruit of the hard work that was done in the conservancy.

“Since enclosing the green space with secure access for the community, the Westdene Park Conservancy has been transformed from an unsafe, neglected space often used by vagrants into a valued and well-cared-for green area for the community,” said resident Johan van der Wath.

“Westdene Park has become a vital quiet space for local residents — a place for morning walks, children at play, informal exercise and moments of pause in a busy neighbourhood.

“This first phase of the larger renewal project, has become noticeably more welcoming and better used, restoring a sense of pride and shared ownership among those who live nearby.”

Van der Wath said adding to its unique character, are the occasional sightings of Springbuck and resident tortoises, gentle reminders of the natural life that once, and now again, thrives here.

“Residents value the park not only for its open space and trees, but for the way it brings people together, creating a safer, more connected community environment enjoyed daily.”