Reserve fence damage raises concerns in Morningside
The fence is damaged along several sections on Trematon Drive and Burman Drive.
A BENT and buckled fence offers little protection to the Burman Bush Nature Reserve, an open space in Morningside.
The reserve, which spans about 50 hectares, is bordered by Trematon Drive, Goodwin Drive and Burman Drive.
Morningside resident, Norma van Blerk, who lives near Burman Bush, raised concerns about safety in the area.
“Many trees have now grown and are overhanging the fence, making it an easy access point for anyone to get over the fence and into the grounds. Not only that, but in one place the fence has been forcibly pushed over and badly bent,” she said.
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With several car accidents causing damage to the fence, Ward 27 councillor, Ernest Smith said speed calming measures are needed in the area.
“Maintenance is done through the natural resources department. We did a perimeter assessment last year and we sent it to the natural resources manager. Previously, a truck reversed into the fence.
“On Umgeni Road, where the fence meets the bridge infrastructure, someone has broken into Burman Bush Nature Reserve. In the last few months, someone drove into the fence off Trematon Drive,” he said.
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“I have approached the eThekwini Transport Authority on several occasions to try and rectify that zone, but it is a class three road. The policy stipulates that class three roads don’t qualify for speed calming measures, such as speed humps, because of the volume of traffic experienced on these roads,” said Smith.
For Smith, speed calming measures would not only protect the fence, but prevent a serious accident or death.
The Berea Mail reached out to the eThekwini Municipality, but the City failed to respond by the time of going to print.
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