Lack of progress on beach wall erosion repair condemned
IT has been more than nine months since the wall and walkway on Brighton Beach collapsed and it is not yet clear when the necessary repairs will take place.
Not only is the site an eyesore, which will detract from the busy beach during the festive season, but it is a safety hazard, as more of the walkway collapses onto the sand below.
Some R7-million was approved by the eThekwini Municipality executive council in late September for the repair of the wall, pending the awarding of a tender. Residents had hoped the process would be wrapped up quickly and that the site would be repaired in time for the December holidays, which see hundreds of tourists descend upon the beach.
This however, has not materialised and it is not clear when the repairs will take place. A contractor has yet to be approved and the South Durban Basin (SDB) Area Based Management (ABM) office said repairs will only take place in the new year, though a definite time frame is unavailable due to delays caused by the heavy rain experienced recently.
“I am disappointed, but not surprised this project has not been timeously tackled. Six months ago I was told it would be completed by the time the summer vacation commenced. Yet here we are and it is only at tender stage. I find this embarrassing and indefensible,” said ward 66 councillor, Duncan Du Bois.
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za
