Scottburgh’s festive season hopes and hazards
The lockdown and resultant job losses would not have helped this.
The approaching festive season has seen a small lift in hopes and a brief flash of optimism amid the disastrous effects of Covid-19 and resultant lockdowns during the year.
As the foot-count gradually increases on the coast, many residents and businesses are hoping that the summer will bring some much-needed joy and cheer – and profits.
They hope the weather is good and that beaches are able to stay open.
However, Umdoni Municipality and Scottburgh Saps have cautioned the community to remember that the coronavirus is still very much a threat.
The message is clear: make use of personal protective equipment at all times, practice social distancing and keep sanitising.
Fears of a second wave have arisen, and the president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has extended the National State of Disaster until January 15, at least.
Health concerns around Covid-19 are not the only hazards to potentially spoil a promising season.
So are service delivery, consistent water supply, and crime, in general.
Many resident have experienced dry taps, on and off, for several weeks.
For others it’s been on a daily basis.
The usual culprits seem to be the reason – burst pipes, ageing infrastructure and poor maintenance.
Many took to social media to vent, expressing their anger at not being able to use a utility they pay for.
There are major concerns that the economy, fragile as it is at the moment, will be further affected by this.
The last thing the locals want or need is for the holidaymakers to cancel their vacations because of this.
Then there’s the matter of the ‘ghastly sight’ of some of the roads, as one resident described it.
‘Pothole paradise’ was another description.
Some of the potholes resemble what another described as ‘gaping holes’ – and have caused damage to vehicles, with costs borne by the drivers.
“I shouldn’t have to pay for damages to my vehicles every time I drive on a road where avoiding potholes isn’t even possible anymore because there are so many,” said an irate motorist.
The driver of a municipal garbage truck has first-hand experience of how bad these potholes are.
While on duty in Scottburgh, the driver hit a massive pothole and one of the truck’s tyres became stuck inside the pothole for a period of time.
Aside from the inconvenience, it also prevented the workers from being able to perform the refuse duties.
Crime has a habit of spiking during holiday season and Scottburgh Saps has
Scottburgh Saps said a recent increase in burglaries in areas like Scottburgh and Park Rynie could be attributed to desperate people resorting to crime in order to sustain themselves.
The lockdown and resultant job losses would not have helped this.
Saps and local security companies will regularly patrol the region during the festive season.
As always at this time of year, they ask the community to take all precautionary crime prevention measures possible, such as locking doors and windows.
They are also urged to practice the ‘watch your neighbour’ philosophy – where you keep an eye on your neighbour’s property for any suspicious activity, and they reciprocate.
To report crime or suspicion criminal activity, phone 039 9781900.
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