‘Operation clean up Margate’ is in hand
The councillor says all problems have been discussed.
LAST week’s front page investigative story – ‘Dark side of Margate‘ – seems to have inspired much debate… and a little ire.
Ward Councillor George Henderson sent the newspaper the minutes of public meetings held on February 2 and April 20, which he (as the ward councillor and as an executive member of the Margate Business Association), had had with the local authorities – including the police – about the problems they were facing in the area.
“Unfortunately, you didn’t ask for our comments before publication. All these problems were discussed with them and many more. We went as far as putting the Hibiscus Coast Municipality (HCM) and the SAPS on terms.
“We also took them on a tour to all these problem buildings. Some are a work in progress and other requests have been ignored. The municipal manager (Max Mbili) asked for time to address all the issues, but as usual, very little has happened,” said Cllr Henderson, in an email.
“I would appreciate it if you can do a follow-up article to inform the public of what has been done by the MBA, myself and a group of prominent businessmen to save the area from collapse.
“If nothing happens, we will have no option but to arrange service delivery protests like in many other areas of the country. Maybe this will wake up the authorities,” wrote Cllr Henderson.
When the journalist asked for a formal response from Cllr Henderson as to what had been done to ‘save the area from collapse ‘ he merely referred her to the minutes.
Here are some of the points taken from the minutes of April’s meeting:
* Cameras: Sbu Ndzimande, head of HCM Law Enforcement department, reported that all cameras were working, except for camera seven, but after two weeks camera two and five also stopped working. The tender process will be finalised within two months for the service provider.
* The lights in front of the lifeguard towers, Olympic pool, water park and tourism offices would be replaced, as they affected the visibility of the cameras at night.
* 24hr Law Enforcement: Mr Ndzimande confirmed that night shift would be implemented on May 1, from 10pm to 6am. Should unforeseen challenges arise HCM to notify them before May 1.
* By-law signage: HCM committed to have all by-law signage up by the end of May
*Satellite Station Margate Beach: The space where the satellite station is to be placed would be identified by April 22.
* Whale Deck and dilapidated buildings: not discussed.
* Hooting of taxis: Mr Mbili reported that they would communicate with the taxi associations
* Drugs, beggars, prostitutes: Colonel Sipho Cornelius Thabethe, Station Commander of Margate SAPS, explained that they could only fine the prostitutes. He confirmed that SAPS was working on the drug issues, but details were not possible. He urged everyone to assist and expose anyone dealing.
Mr Mbili acknowledged that promises and commitments were not attended to yet, but assured they would still ‘walk the talk’.
Shop owner Bridget Konrad informed the Herald that the MBA, CPF, police, private security companies and the business people were working together to make Margate a better place.
“Everyone is talking and working together. This is the first time we have got the problems under control,” she said.
Ms Konrad said in the last 14 days the police had been seen patrolling the streets and there were now fewer prostitutes along Marine Drive.
She urged the whole community to get involved to restore Margate back to its former glory and she encouraged anyone who saw ‘something not-so-nice’ in Margate to contact her at 039 317 4430.
