‘Sleep and slide’ at Scottburgh’s super tube – at no charge
Now however, the facility is home to a disturbing number of vagrants and a brief visit this week revealed signs that drugs are being used.
SCOTTBURGH is undoubtedly one of the South Coast’s most famous holiday towns which every year welcomes thousands of holidaymakers, both local and international.
Tourism is lifeblood of the coast and without it, many businesses would be forced to close their doors. In recent years, many have commented on the noticeable decline of traditional South Coast seaside gems, thanks in part to lack of maintenance. Now Scottburgh’s tourism industry faces another threat: vagrants.
And with this comes the ever-present problem of drug abuse. An increasing number of vagrants and beggars now call the area home and worryingly, a contingent of vagrants has set up house at Scottburgh’s iconic super tube, a source of endless entertainment and fun for countless holidaymakers over the years.
Now however, the facility is home to a disturbing number of vagrants and a brief visit this week revealed signs that drugs are being used.
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Brian Joubert, who owns the super tube, explained that at the end of January he had had no alternative but to close the facility as it was no longer profitable.
“I was considering filing for bankruptcy last year but, a local business agreed to assist with the upgrading of the super tube. It was agreed that in return, the business’s customers would have free use of the waterslide. However, just before the December holidays, both of the main pumps seized and the business declined to assist with the cost of replacement,” he said.
Mr Joubert purchased a new motor which would allow him to operate one of the slides during December, but this also seized shortly after season, resulting in the facility closing.
It wasn’t long before the vagrants moved in. “Security was a major problem with people sleeping on the slides every night, and throwing plastic and rubbish down the banks of the river. The beach manager helped with the clean-up but could not assist with security at night.”
According to Mr Joubert, until about a year ago, Umdoni Municipality had provided security patrols which checked on beachfront businesses at night.
ALSO READ: Scottburgh beach facilities are being revamped
In what appears to be a positive move, the same local business has apparently agreed to once again refurbish the super tube, at its own expense.
The business was contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of going to print. Mr Joubert estimates that the waterslide should be up and running by early June. “The waterslide has always been a favourite and it was a pity that it had to be abandoned to prove what a serious loss it would be to the beach,” he said.
He suggested now would be a good time to spruce up all beach facilities and step up the enforcement of bylaws to encourage visitors to return to the town.
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