Resident’s appeal for cleanup gets results

Hard work pays off, even if that means hassling the municipality, provincial and national structures.

After months of back-and-forth communication with the KwaDukuza municipality and the provincial and national department of public works, last Wednesday a grounds crew started to clear the overgrown piece of land bordered by Hilary and Zen Drive.

Ballito resident Candice Henderson first raised the alarm of this five hectare piece of land growing into a hideout for criminals in August 2014 and has been fighting ever since for the land to be cleared.

The property belongs to the provincial department of public works. With it not being maintained, properties in the area were targeted by criminals with the bushes providing an easy escape route. Residents have asked repeatedly for the dense bush to be cleared, without results.

On one occasion, KwaDukuza municipality agreed to cut the grass and clear some of the bushes and sent the bill to public works. However this was not repeated.

Recently the provincial public works department told Henderson they would clear the land and sent a team last week.

“I’m thrilled,” said Henderson after the clean up started.

“At least they have a crew here working their way through, but they still have a lot to clear,” said Henderson.

“Now my view from the house is still trees and creatures, but without burglars lurking underneath the dense bush.”

Derick Nxele from the public works department said they were committed to cleaning the property every three months.