DEAR Editor,-
My family and I live in Johannesburg and own a timeshare in Margate, where we spend two weeks every July.
About two years ago, the upgrade to the beachfront from the pier towards Ramsgate was started and it made a huge difference in giving access to that stretch of coastline
At the time the upgrade started, I wondered why they were using ‘plastic wood’ lookalike strips and railings, because this type of material requires high maintenance.
I also wondered if it would, in fact be maintained.
During our visit in July this year, I saw signs of what I thought would happen. There are sections of the railing missing (notably below Macs Cottages). The plastic strips are starting to pull loose and breaking in some places.
A large hole has been broken through one of the landings on the steps to the tidal pool. This is very disturbing because it is just a matter of time before someone puts a foot through it and suffers serious injury.
This damage has taken place within a period of two years. What is going to happen over the next five to 10 years?
I am sure that the council has invested a lot of money in this project and I think that it is such a shame that it will probably all be destroyed within a short period of time unless active steps are taken to protect and maintain this asset. Are there any plans to repair the damage that has already occurred and is there going to be funds budgeted for maintenance in the future?
MICHAEL KIETZMANN
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