Scottburgh’s bridge shelter causes a stink
Those using the adjacent walkway to access the beach are faced with piles of litter and a sometimes unbearable smell.
A GROUP of vagrants has set up camp underneath the Scottburgh main beach bridge where they have been living for several months.
Lenie Hoy, who manages a holiday flat near the bridge, said this has created a mess which she describes as “disgusting and degrading”.
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To compound the problem, guests from a nearby hotel have to use a walkway adjacent to the bridge to access the beach.
“People are wary of using the path as some of the vagrants have reportedly harassed walkers for money,” said one Scottburgh resident.
It is believed that some of these bridge dwellers could also be bogus car guards who operate in Scott Street, some of whom have been identified by police as drug addicts.
According to Mrs Hoy, there are about five or six people living under the bridge at any one time.
“They leave their bedding and food and sometimes relieve themselves there too, so it was really an eyesore for guests at the flat during the holiday season,” she said.
“When one comes down to the South Coast on holiday, one expects scenic views, not this!”
Mrs Hoy added she had tried contacting the municipality for assistance on more than one occasion.
“This issue of vagrants is currently being dealt with by the Umdoni Law Enforcement office in collaboration with the Scottburgh Saps,” said Umdoni Municipality communications manager, Sphelele Cele.
“We have also activated our cleansing and maintenance section to attend to the litter and ensure that this area is kept clean.”
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