DEAR Editor,-
I have read reports in both local newspapers with regards to our beautiful South Coast and its tourism.
As a permanent resident for some 19 years now, I agree that we have a jewel – a small piece of paradise on the coast, a paradise we all have the pleasure of calling home.
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I also agree that tourism plays a huge factor in sustaining communities and businesses.
We have to promote and encourage tourism in a big way and if we (all members of our community and businesses) play their part, we will succeed.
But we have a massive stumbling block hindering our efforts – the municipalities.
Ray Nkonyeni (RNM) and Ugu municipalities are quite happy to collect taxpayers’ money for services that are not provided.
I back my statement up with the following and invite all interested parties to take a drive from Hibberdene to Port Edward:-
* verges are disgusting;
* vegetation overhangs are ridiculous and some even cover pertinent road signs;
* potholes are shocking and pose huge dangers to motorists;
* street lights and robots need urgent attention;
* beach ablution facilities are in desperate need of maintenance.
The list goes on.
Don’t bother to contact either municipality as they fail to respond. They don’t even have the decency to acknowledge emails or phone calls or afford complainants the courtesy of a response.
I spent the better part of 2018 attempting to obtain service and failed dismally.
During February this year, I tried desperately to get the municipality to repair a dangerous Marine Drive entrance that causes damage to vehicles. You guessed it – no response.
In desperation, we repaired the entrance ourselves – at our own cost. Thanks for nothing, RNM.
Perhaps the time has come to withhold rates payments and only pay for services provided?
If residents can shake them up or rattle some cages, maybe the municipalities will get their act together.
The we can once again be proud of our towns and tourists will be happy to flock down to the sunny South Coast.
VERY CONCERNED RESIDENT
Port Shepstone
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