SHACK dwellers rejoiced at the opening of a park at Waterworks informal settlement on the West Rand over the weekend.

SHACK dwellers rejoiced at the opening of a park at Waterworks informal settlement on the West Rand over the weekend.

The park, which was built in what used to be a dump site, has a vegetable plot, a play arcade for children and netball and soccer fields.

It was was built in partnership with Westonaria municipality and private companies.

Mayor Maserane Khumalo said: "The park will help restore the residents' faith in government as the negotiations to get them proper housing were continuing."

She said the park was aimed at keeping young people busy so that they could stay away from alcohol and drugs.

She said the garden must be used to help feed poor families.

Sibongiseni Gabuza, 16, was grateful that his soccer team would have a proper ground to practise and play in.

He said in the past they practised soccer in municipal houses without permission.

Parent Gomolemo Moatsiemana was happy that her five children will have a safe place to play in.

"Now the government has to provide houses so that children can live in safe homes," Moatsiemana said.

But for Nikiwe Khoza the park might lead to the end of her source of income.

Khoza, a mother two, has a vegetable stand inside the park and depends on it for survival.

"When I returned home they had fenced my stand inside the park and no one has approached me and I do not know who to talk to," she said.

She said she would continue with her trade until someone explained the situation to her.

Despite the confusion, Khoza was happy that the park has been built.