DEAR Editor,-
We were at the South Coast from December 16 to 18 and visited a couple of places. The weather was horrible at times, but we survived!
It has always been nice to visit Margate, but I lost my respect for the ‘hot spot’ fishing site in Margate, namely the pier! My six year old wanted to go the toilet, and what a disgusting experience! The stink was horrible, not to mention that my daughter and I had to stand in urine just to go to the toilet.
Now during holiday season, surely this is unacceptable? What kind of example are you setting to other people, like first time visitors to this once lovely beach and fishing spot? The water/urine was disgusting to walk through. While waiting for my husband in the car, the reaction of other tourists walking past was not shocking at all. I heard one lady say she will never be back. Surely the municipality can keep these places in good condition and not allow urine to seep down walkways and ensure that the female toilets are in working condition?
I do realise that it is an expense, but with all the tourism, surely that would not be a problem? Other toilet facilities have a pay point at entrances, which might be a solution and also clamp down on vandalism or the misuse of toilet facilities? Most people have a R1 coin in their pockets!
I really do hope that IF I do visit again in the future, this will all be rectified. But for now, Margate has lost many tourists, my family included! This is a pity because Margate pier is my husband’s favourite fishing spot!
CELIA NORTJÉ
