The Umhlali crime fighting dogs were supposed to spend Christmas in their newly refurbished home, but that was wishful thinking.
The dogs had to be moved to Durban Central Police Station about nine months ago, as a “temporary” solution, after the damp, derelict Umhlali kennels were condemned (‘Umhali police dogs homeless’, Courier, April 30,).
Unfortunately the temporary move has become a more permanent one.
This slows down the response time of the Umhlali K9 unit, as the dogs have to be fetched from Durban daily, and therefore reduces the chances of the dogs getting to the scent quickly enough to do their jobs.
The notorious K9 kennels failed a recent SPCA follow up inspection, which raised questions, as the kennels were supposed to undergo an extensive refurbishment programme.
“There was a delay in this refurbishment previously, as permission had to be obtained from various other government officials,” said SPCA spokesperson, Caroline Smith.
Smith said on November 28 that the revamp was set to begin on December 1, however nothing has materialized.
Further investigation showed that the organisers are still waiting for the final go ahead from officials, and again had to postpone the project to some time early next year… hopefully.
The planned project will see the old kennels demolished, a new concrete slab laid down with special drainage to a septic tank, newly built brick and mortar kennels with epoxy painted floors and finally a solid perimeter fence will be put up around the kennels.
The project will cost an estimated R500 000.
“The response has been fantastic and we have received a lot of positive input and many willing helpers have stepped up to this great initiative,” said Nevil Johnson, one of the organisers.
We have not taken any money, but we have asked people to make a pledge to donate and help, as we did not want to take money before we have the final go ahead,” said the project coordinator, Jill Deana.
It appears all the red tape is slowing down the project immensely.
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