Councillor reports back

Ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge reports on a number of council-related issues:
Sewage into Amanzimtoti River off Kingfisher Road
“While possibly more exposed to municipal productivity than the next person, I believe we need to set the record straight and not only give credit where it is due, but highlight how interference could result in altering expected outcome.
On Tuesday, 14 April a water and sanitation team on routine inspection noted sewage in the water canal in Kingfisher Road that runs from Somerset Road higher up. They removed an obstruction caused by rags, sand and other debris, and requested a water tanker with chlorinated water be dispatched to rinse the pipeline below the blockage to rid it of any contaminants.
A tanker was dispatched the next day, but was deterred from dispersing the treated water into the line by a resident closer to the Somerset Road manhole, who allegedly threatened officials with physical violence, as he believed they were pumping sewage into the system, as opposed to rinsing the line.
This resulted in the line below the test area remaining contaminated and thus the continued seepage into the Kingfisher line and river, especially so following light rain soon after. After this was brought to my attention, we conducted a site visit with various departments including health, sanitation and natural resources and lime was introduced on Thursday, 23 April which cleared the line. While residents must remain vigilant, refrain from drawing conclusions, but rather assure yourself of facts, as interfering could actually make matters worse. Branches and debris noted in the stormwater line running under Isundu Road were also removed on Friday morning. Report similar problems to 080-131-3013 and secure a reference number for follow-up purposes as the city cannot act without knowledge of a problem.
Verge cutting (Cato Cres)
“We have received enquiries regarding verge cutting in the area around the Durban School for the Hearing Impaired along Cato Crescent and Farewell Road. The parks department has an annual programme where verges and growth around schools are trimmed during the winter season. The school in Cato Crescent being no exception, as I can confirm that the verges have been cut back the last two years. With regards to the open piece of ground within the school premises along Farewell Road, the area was cleaned under my supervision by a (largely) community-funded team three years ago. Unfortunately the programme was not sustainable and the responsibility, which is essentially a provincial mandate, remains that of the school to engage with the relevant provincial department to clear the area. This does not stop residents from engaging with the school in an effort to co-ordinate a community-driven initiative to clear the area.”
Informal traders – Somerset Place, Warnadoone
“We are in constant discussion with the business support unit, DSW, parks department, Metro Police and roads and stormwater in our vision to create a more appealing setting for informal traders along Somerset Place at Warnadoone. Not only will this enhance the area’s appearance, but afford opportunities for people to earn a living in a controlled and recognised environment.
While the budget does not accommodate extensive expenditure towards this project, the various local departments have already committed to assist with the upgraded exit or entrance, facilitated by the roads department, which is a step in the right direction. Informal traders are urged to engage the requirements of the Informal Trader Bylaw 2014 that can be downloaded from the eThekwini website and to apply with the department in Isipingo as a limited number of permits are allocated to the area.”
Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary
“After an enquiry, we engaged natural resources senior manager, Sbu Mkhwanazi who informed us that birds at the park are essentially wild and not in captivity. While he committed to probe the supply of food to supplement in their natural diet, he cautioned to overfeeding, which may leave birds reliant on grain supply.”
Demarcation Board public hearings
Demarcation Board public hearing on the delimitation and demarcation of ward boundaries for the 2016 local government elections will be held in the main auditorium, Durban City Hall, Dr Pixley KaSeme Street on Saturday, 2 May at 10am.
Refugee camp
“Numbers in the refugee camp located within the Isipingo soccer fields in Outer Circuit road has over the last two weeks fluctuated between 500 and 1,000 people. While several have departed back to their countries of origin, the numbers remained stable with new arrivals.” Food and clothing can be delivered to the councillor’s office at 423 Kingsway.
Street lights
“Several street lights have been noted as being faulty. Don’t wait for someone else to act, report faulty street lights to 080-131-3111 and obtain a reference number.”