Neglected super tube in Scottburgh sparks safety concerns
Vagrants are sleeping in the tube, railings are missing, rusty nails are exposed, and chunks of the collapsing building all over the place.
The super tube at Scottburgh beach has been part of the town’s history for decades. Unfortunately, it’s current state is stealing the town’s value rather than adding to it.
For many years, this piece of infrastructure attracted locals and holidaymakers to the area. Now it is evidently breaking apart, poses a danger to children, houses vagrants, and is overall an eyesore at this popular beach.
On a site visit last week with Ward 15 councillor Dana Daniels, it was clear that Scottburgh’s super tube will need more than a little TLC if it is ever going to be restored to its original welcoming state.
“We’ve had a problem in the last few years where the super tube has been severely neglected,” said Daniels.
“There is trash everywhere, vagrants are sleeping in the tube, railings are missing, rusty nails are exposed, and there are chunks of the collapsing building all over the place.”
Daniels said that she has reported this matter to the Public Protector and there has been talk about repairs.
“The dangers that this super tube present to everyone in this area is unacceptable,” she added.
It was also mentioned that an expression of interest has gone out for a private-public partnership. Daniels said that she hopes this comes through soon, and pressure is also being put on Umdoni Municipality as this might probably be the only solution to get this area back to what it should be.
Roughly a month ago, a beachgoer took to social media to complain about children left unsupervised near the super tube area. The area is not cordoned off and there are missing pieces of fencing, which makes it easier for people to access it.
Many locals considered this super tube as something that set the beach apart from other South Coast beaches, and call for it to be given the necessary attention as soon as possible, or ultimately removed. Social media users have stated that it is truly a sad situation as the school holidays are here and this neglected piece of infrastructure cannot be used by children who spend most of their days on the beach.
For now, the public is cautioned to stay away from the super tube area because of the many dangers.
Umdoni Municipality was contacted for comment, but none was received at the time of going to press.
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