THE Sunken Gardens in North Beach have sunken into a defaced image of its former glory, a marvel of yesteryear.
One is greeted by an unbearable stench from the algae-ridden water ponds. Water does not flow; the features are covered in dead pigeons, weeds, and litter. The roofs over gazebos are falling, and the paving is broken.

It was not always this way, but the neglect has worsened over the years. One regular to the site is Vincent Pillay, who trains a group of 30 young and elderly people through the Keep Fit programme for residents of South and North Beach. They have been exercising twice a week for free for five years.

The group is among several people who use the facility for yoga, meditation, leisure walks, casual walks, and picnics daily.
“We have seen the deterioration taking shape over the years. Although the turf is kept mowed, the features are appalling. The smell is unbearable. The homeless are wandering, people drink and smoke weed in broad daylight, some even urinate in the ponds. No fresh water flows here anymore,” Pillay said.

“We appeal to the Parks department to rescue this former gem. The residents around here try to keep the area neat and clean, but we can only do so much. The upkeep must be maintained throughout the year, not only during holidays or when the city hosts big international events.”
He added that the Sunken Gardens were one of the best historical landmarks on the Golden Mile, and he pleaded with the City to come on board and resuscitate the area.

Also read: 50-year lease signed for iconic beachfront hotels, redevelopment

The Sunken Gardens, overlooking the Southern Sun hotels, are one of the redevelopment areas highlighted as part of the R1b 50-year-lease signed between eThekwini Municipality and Southern Sun in October last year.

The agreement earmarked R5m to be invested in the development of the Sunken Gardens. The timeframe for the redevelopment was not indicated at the time.

EThekwini Municipality responds:

“The City would like to clarify that the Sunken Gardens and its associated structures are designated heritage sites. Following the municipality’s decision to assist with the refurbishment of the facility, the City initiated the process of securing approval from AMAFA (the KwaZulu Natal Amafa and Research Institute), as required for any work undertaken on heritage listed sites. Due to the heritage status of the site, and the requirement to use materials consistent with the original structures in line with heritage preservation guidelines, the approval process took approximately one and a half years to complete.

“In the interim, the Municipality undertook repairs to the ponds and installed solar pumps to restore functionality. Unfortunately, these installations were subsequently vandalised, and the City is currently in the process of repairing the damaged infrastructure.
With the necessary AMAFA approval now obtained, the Municipality has formally requested the City Architecture Directorate to appoint a contractor to undertake the full refurbishment of the Sunken Gardens.”

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