Trees growing out of post office clock riles resident
The once iconic main Post Office building in the Durban CBD has over recent years seen an aesthetic decline. Visible evidence of non-maintenance is glaring.
A concerned resident and ratepayer could not ignore what the once majestic main Post Office clock tower has succumbed to.
A glance up at the clock feature shows it is covered in trees with shrubs growing out of the building, indicating neglect and disregard for the building.
Mark Lowe has been vocal about the City of eThekwini’s general disservice and its failure in governance.
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Lowe lamented, “Opposite the City Gardens and the Memorial to the Fallen. Once the Durban Town Hall on whose steps in December 1899 a young war correspondent named Winston Churchill made a famous speech after escaping Boer captivity during the siege of Ladysmith.
“In full line of sight of the eThekwini Mayor’s Office in the City Hall across the road, that tree is now easily twice the size in the photograph; it’s been steadily growing for over six years.”
Lowe said he has written and complained to the City about this but he was met with no response. He blames the current government for lack of pride and having no shame.
Also read: Historical site falls into state of decay
The eThekwini Municipality responded, “The Post Office building and its fixtures, including the clock, fall under the ownership and responsibility of the South African Post Office (SAPO). Members of the public are therefore advised to direct enquiries or concerns regarding the maintenance of the clock directly to the South African Post Office as the responsible authority.”
On behalf of the SAPO, Louise Brugman admitted that they were aware of the issue.
“Specialised equipment needs to be rigged to obtain access to the tower, from where they need to be cut and then also deal with the roots.
“We are in contact with private individuals who offered to assist us, but if we can’t find a tangible solution to remove the trees, we will be put on RFQ (Request for Quotation) next year,” Brugman explained.
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