Pictures: Pietermaritzburg cows hit the gym
In what may seem to be a bizarre incident of late Pietermaritzburg cows have been hitting the gym. Yes, the cows from Imbali unit 2 section in Pietermaritzburg has invaded what was once a local outdoor gym as their grazing land.
Before the pandemic, it used to be a park that served the community but now it’s grazing land since lockdown. No one has been monitoring or enjoying the space since the lockdown. Now it seems as if the park is now a grazing area for the cattle since they enjoy the public space more than people around.
The community was happy when the municipal did this initiative but no one is looking after it. To many, the park has become useless and now serves the local community cattle more than society.
Speaking to the media a concerned resident 33-year-old Nobuhle Mhlongo indicated that she has never used the park but used to let her kids go.
“I recently told my kids not to go there anymore because I’m afraid that they will get bitten by snakes in the area.”
“And I also fear for their safety because the cows in the area have personalised the area to an extent of attacking one if you disturb them so I heard.”
Pictures: Pietermaritzburg cows hit the gym
One elderly woman who lives adjacent to the park indicated that the municipal ignored the place log back. She went on to indicate that they last came to maintain the area way back last year.
“As far as I can recall the park has been maintained by a neighbour, but I think he has had enough and call it quits that’s why it’s like this now,” she said.
However, a few boys were spotted playing in the thick tall grass and sharing the space with the local cows. The 12 and 5-year-old duo said they have no option than to play there because they don’t have toys.
“We enjoy playing here since we have no toys besides that we enjoy exercising too.”
Contacted for comment the local councillor said he was aware of the situation. Councillor Siphiwe Ndawonde said he’s much aware of the situation in Imbali and has already engaged with the relevant department.
“The problem is that the municipal is under administration. To be honest with you there’s no money,” said Ndowane.
He went on to indicate that it’s not only the park that has not received maintenance but a host of things.
“It’s not only the park that has not been maintained we are trying our best to resolve these problems before us.”