DEAR Editor,-
I refer to the letter written by Richard Currin in The Herald dated July 25th under the heading ‘Neglect needs to be addressed says Margate resident’.
I thank you for your letter and you are accurate in your statement, however I must point out that the area around Lucky’s and Hopden’s Kwikspar in Manaba does not form part of the Margate Business Assocation’s area, but from what I understand is the responsibility of the municipality. Nevertheless, it is an eyesore and does not leave a very good impression.
At the MBA we have a manager, who on a weekly basis sends requests to both municipalities for various repairs in and around the Margate area. Some are repaired and others, well, we are still waiting. I have personally sent an email inviting the HCM municipal manager to meet with the MBA and we have not even had the courtesy of a reply.
Since our last walkabout with the municpal manager, not much has been repaired as promised, so trying to schedule weekly meetings with the municipality will be a very difficult task.
At present the MBA is paying for repairs and securing sponsorship for work that the municipality should be doing, such as the repainting of the deck at the fishing pier, the repairs to the poles at the fishing pier, garden upgrades at the entrance to Margate, etc.
We are trying to get everything to work in Margate, but funds are limited and if the municipality took pride in Margate, we would have a much better town and not receive negative comments from residents. These negative comments from locals and visitors are justified, but unfortunately our hands are tied.
I agree with your last comment about the Western Cape and having been there earlier this year, it is an absolute pleasure to see how everything works. And visibly, they take pride in their city.
DERECK HIRSON
Chairman, MBA
