DEAR Editor,-
I note with great pleasure that the municipality has at last appointed a contractor to upgrade the Margate Panorama Parade walkway. The portion that has been completed is well constructed and a pleasure to walk on . The paving is not only good and attractive, but also wider with new kerbing on both sides. I note further that the portions of the walkway where the shoulder is not wide enough for brick paving, a board walk is in the process of being constructed . The frames and structures are in place and ready to be covered with plastic boards.
The only problem however, is that the structure is constructed with roof grade timber beams on chemically treated timber post supports, all held together with steel screws. The posts have been cut to size with the cut ends exposed and untreated. This type of material is totally inappropriate for the situation and the timber will deteriorate when exposed to the elements.
The walkway adjacent to the pool at Margate Beach and the stairs to the bay next to the fishing pier are constructed totally out of the ‘plastic’ timber-like elements and these structures have been in place for a number of years without any signs of deterioration.
I suggest that the council takes a very serious view of the present construction materials being used, as the probability exists that the material will deteriorate and the boardwalk will collapse within a few years.
FRED SABBAGHA
Margate
