#Opinion: Residents have their say about matters of concern in KwaDukuza and Ballito

We asked our readers to list their top three issues that are in need of urgent attention in their town. The response was huge: seventy-one comments covering a diverse array of issues. However there was plenty overlap, and what stood out was that residents love the North Coast and want the best for this community.

May Coomer – 1. Stricter law enforcement on traffic violations on our roads, especially speeding on the N2 highway. 2. Total overhaul of management at Umhlali SAPS. 3. Overall crime prevention in our informal settlements. Safety is a major concern.

Ray de Bruyn – Absolutely love how many people mention the taxis breaking the rules. I agree, they are an issue, but people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Numerous times a day I see all walks of life breaking the road rules. Robots mean nothing to the majority, not only the taxis. Just yesterday a lady came off the highway at Salt Rock through a red light, narrowly missing my vehicle. I hooted… she retaliated with her middle finger. So for all those people blaming the taxis (who do need to be sorted out), start obeying the rules first and set an example before pointing fingers.

Lauren Smith – Potholes and roads in general fixed. Safe parks for kids. Basic service delivery (water and electricity).

Tans Mack – Roads need to be tarred because the potholes are the size of swimming pools. By-laws need to be enforced regarding driveways and loud music, and fireworks need to be permanently banned.

Eureka Broberg – Potholes, removal of the ridiculous number of speed humps – and the municipality.

Elaine Gavarana – Roads, water, electricity.

Lise Hayes – Trained staff in a functioning municipality, potholes in roads around Ballito and the no fireworks ban enforced.

Nomvelo Maphumulo – Proper roads, licensing department is a nightmare… oh goodness, infrastructure.

Herashni Singh – KDM needs to run a serious campaign for pedestrians and motorists. The stubborn jay-walkers and arrogant drivers need to be taught basic rules. Potholes repaired throughout KwaDukuza and reliable, constant water supply for Stanger Manor.

Jesse Chetty – Stanger water issues. We go for days without water and the municipality doesn’t send any tankers to help the old and frail. We have numerous power dips which damage our electrical appliances and obviously we replace it at our own cost. Potholes damaging vehicles daily

Barry Bowditch – A functioning municipality. The current one is broken!

Mary Miennie – Mandeni = potholes, streetlights, systems offline.

Charlotte Moore – Drains! Sewage leaking into our sea. Stricter road rules for taxis.

Neeran Dawki – Law enforcement in Stanger needs to be on foot, not driving around in fancy vehicles

Uyandarh Tracy – We need activities for youth and skills programmes for both youth and adults.

Kimber Joy Gould – Regular and consistent roadblocks to stop drinking and driving. More traffic police presence to stop speeding, phone usage and reckless driving on the N2. More traffic police monitoring and enforcing road rules – especially with taxis at the rank intersection. The massive gaping sinkhole on Shaka’s Rock Drive near Imbonini repaired. Been like this for 2 years.

Gary Nilson – We moved here from La Lucia 2 months ago. I don’t think I’ve seen a cop yet, Saps or Metro. Taxis are a scourge.

Michelle Pritchard – We need patrolling and law enforcement for illegal activities on our beach and coast (fishing, collecting etc.)

Elbie Erasmus van der Bank – Lawlessness and disrespect of taxis. Effective traffic department with main goal to enforce road safety and not only fines during holiday season. Effective municipality – main goal to keep roads pothole free, pavements clean and safe and beachfront ablution block neat and tidy.

Vernon Jansen van Rensburg – Policing in Ballito Village after hours, their absence in curbing “the dealers” on the corners is telling. How about an exposé in The North Coast Courier?

Tracy Taylor – Pedestrian bridge between the Junction and Lifestyle over the road.

Valerie Widmann Govender – Drunks on the beach.

Untwist BizOptimiser – As I learned from Enterprise iLembe the other day, unemployment is taking a huge toll on this district. More programmes and people are willing to teach what they know so entrepreneurs can continue to dream big.

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