Hillcrest Residents Still in the Dark After Park Auction

It has been weeks since the auction of the Kristal Singel Park land in Hillcrest, Wellington. The residents remain without answers about who bought the land or what its future use will be. For many, the silence from both the municipality and local councillors has deepened frustration and mistrust.

Mr Azrodeen McCarthy confirmed that there have been no updates shared since the auction. “We still don't know, no one has informed us yet. We don't even know who the new owner is, or if it was bought,” he said. 

The lack of communication has left families anxious and the children without clarity about the space they regularly use as their play park. “The community is not happy. They want answers, but the councillors and the municipality don't give them,” Azrodeen added. 

The uncertainty for parents has raised fears about children being pushed into unsafe environments. “This will force our kids onto the street and drugs,” he explained. “We already have so few parks, why take away this one as well?”

This issue has also sparked a broader reflection on civic involvement, and the community acknowledges that the experience has taught them a hard lesson. Without any consistent participation in community affairs, many decisions can be made without their knowledge. Azrodeen said that it seems like nothing is being done about this matter. The lesson learned is that the community must get more involved, like richer communities are doing.

To prevent similar situations in the future, residents should monitor the Drakenstein Municipality's Facebook page and use social media to raise concerns. “Let’s always search for answers and keep posting matters so others can get involved if they didn't know about it," he said. 

For now, the future of Kristal Singel Park remains uncertain; however, the community is determined not to stay silent.