Taking a pro-active stance in dealing with community complaints, Democratic Alliance (DA) Durban South Constituency chairperson, Councillor Andre Beetge, accompanied Member of Parliament, Tim Brauteseth, got busy on the ground tackling burning issues.
The duo conducted oversight visits at KwaMakhutha and Isipingo SAPS to determine challenges faced by the two police stations that, according to communities, hamper proper and expected service delivery.
“It became apparent that in both cases, morale is seriously hampered by lack in resources, both human and support, as well as the Department of Justice failing to secure expected convictions against perpetrators.
This in turn results in members of the community choosing to rather report at Amanzimtoti SAPS which then inflates the Amanzimtoti cases and distorts local statistics,” said Cllr Beetge.
According to Cllr Beetge, MP Brauteseth, having compiled a comprehensive report based on information so collected, committed to elevate the challenges to parliamentary level in a effort to assist, enhance service delivery and reduce the high crime rate.
Meanwhile, both leaders also undertook a visit to inspect the repairs to Umdoni Road pump station and the unblocking of lines which caused a sewage outfall outside Kingsway High School.
“Following months of harassing the Waste Water department, as well as, the office of the City Manager, media and radio interviews, to the point of actually requesting a quote from a supplier to indicate the miniscule expenses required to effect repairs to the Umdoni Road pump station, it would appear all my efforts eventually yielded positive results.
As previously reported, the pumps and electrics were repaired a month ago where after the Networks department experienced equipment failure. During a site visit, that included wading in ‘unsmelly waste,’ we were delighted when the department confirmed that the system was operational and again functional,” said Cllr Beetge.
He added that reports were later received of a bubbling manhole again discharging into the stream outside Kingsway High School that feeds to the Amanzimtoti River which caused a nauseating smell across a large part of the town.
“The department was alerted to attend and a non return valve, as well as, other parts was found damaged on the pump, possibly as a result of a foreign object that came dislodged from somewhere in the system. The pump was removed for emergency repairs on Wednesday morning.
In so far as it concerns, outfall at Winklespruit, the department is awaiting the arrival of a replacement meter taken from the Elcock pump station. Likewise outfall into the Amanzimtoti river at the Riverside road drift where an entire electrical control panel was stolen from the Riverside 2 pump station that had to be ordered made to spec,” Cllr Beetge added.
The pair also took time to view assess and view the rejuvenation of ‘The Square’ in the Amanzimtoti Central Business District (CBD).
“Arguably one of the better stories to tell, is the recent rejuvenation of ‘The Square’ in the old Amanzimtoti CBD located in the Commercial Road curve.
While there is certainly more work to be done to get the dark sea of faulty street light repaired, new LED lighting in The Square has it stand out like a full moon. A well maintained lawn surrounds a new wooden jungle gym and statues, in turn boasting recently cleaned paving and new business ventures,” said Cllr Beetge.
The project is largely driven and funded by businessman Clayton Wayne and Cllr Beetge, redeeming what was essentially a dirty, dark and unpopular part of town is now starting to attract tenants and interest.
Beetge said: “The next step is to get all building owners around one table to fund the painting of buildings to one colour scheme and to discuss a sustainable funding and maintenance model.
We are also pleased to note that there are several individuals within the community who have indicated that they are either prepared to lead or participate in community projects that could see our town return to erstwhile glory, albeit in this instance rather privately funded and resourced, as opposed to waiting for a failing government to react. These projects will include verge maintenance, painting of buildings, adopt-a-spot, cleaning of rivers, ravines and beaches, pothole repairs and much more.”
