Report Back – Geoff Pullan 24 October 2015

Since my last report-back there have been a number of things happening in our area.

The Umdloti lifeguard building was demolished, as spalling of some concrete had made the structure unsafe. Temporary arrangements have been made, but there is concern that these won’t cope in the busy times.

Water is still a major issue for all of us, visitors and locals alike. A week ago, Neil McLeod, our retired city water engineer said to me that relief from the Tugela pipeline will only be felt in a year’s time. So please don’t waste a drop.

The relocation of the Ocean Drive In settlement to Hammond’s Farm, near Waterloo, is nearing completion. New settlers have joined the last few families still at Ocean Drive In, which is a bit of a worry.

The Hammond’s Farm site is barren and treeless, and built on Ecca Shale – which contrasts with the lush vegetation at Ocean Drive In. The new homes are also in the noise zone of the airport, just at the opposite end of the runway.

I suspect there may be a sale of council land, once the settlers are all moved.

The Dept of Transport has engaged the services of a team to tackle the moving sand dune, next to the M4 at Boys and Girls Town. The few weeks they have been there suggests that the sand is winning!

Our biggest news is the awarding of Blue Flag status to a number of local beaches. Ushaka and Westbrook Beach are now full Blue Flag, after seven years in the wilderness.

Additional to these, are the five Pilot Blue Flag beaches in other parts of eThekwini and the four Pilot Blue Flags in KwaDukuza.

We ask that everyone respects our beachfront and ensures that these public places are not trashed by drunken people. The environment we leave behind is for our grandchildren, we are only temporary custodians.

Thank you.