‘MBA chairman sets the record straight’

DEAR Editor,-

It must be noted that your reporter was in error by assuming that this was an MBA initiative as he addressed me as the MBA chairman, which I am, although the invitation sent to the Herald was from South Coast Tourism.

The ‘welcome’ sign has been discussed for many years and Margate South Coast Tourism sub committee finally arranged for the sign to be approved and erected as it was felt that all the other areas along the coast have welcome signs and not Margate hence the decision.

For the record the MBA represents the businesses of Margate who pay an annual fee as members and it is in their and our interests to look after Margate with what little funds generated from fees and the Mardi Gras. Certain of the business have upgraded their buildings in town, keep their pavements clean and provide other services.

Both the MBA and tourism sub committee members are made up of volunteers who are interested and work toward the advancement of our town.

It is not the responsibility of the MBA to fix the toilets, potholes, look after the ‘baby’ pool, ensure that we have Blue Flag beaches but the responsibility of Hibiscus Coast Municipality as we do not have the budget or resources to repair and maintain these facilities.

Corrie Wernick, our MBA manager does daily inspection of all the areas and sends HCM emails of all the faults that occur in Margate on a daily basis and through the services of HCM some complaints are dealt with quickly and others not. As can been seen, HCM is in the process of upgrading the toilets at the beach which is long overdue. However it is a concern of the MBA that once they are repaired will they be maintained and kept in good working order?

DERECK HIRSON

MBA Chairman