Residents call for Merebank to be restored to its former glory
Overgrown grass, illegal dumping and lack of municipal maintenance have robbed Merebank residents of nature's beauty.
HIMALAYAS Park in Merebank is a far cry from what it used to be years ago.
What used to be a freshwater pond, situated in the area, is currently polluted with litter and has become a breeding ground for bacteria and mosquitoes. Issues of unmaintained drainage systems within the area have also negatively contributed to the deteriorating state of the area. 
Lack of maintenance of underground stormwater pipes results in flooded roads during heavy rains, and blocked sewage pipes result in the push back of sewage into residents’ premises. The area used to be a recreational park area where the community enjoyed the tranquillity of nature, bird watching as well as a freshwater pond with fish.
Overgrown grass, illegal dumping and lack of municipal maintenance have robbed Merebank residents of nature’s beauty.
Merebank resident, Butch Sewdaran, expressed his dissatisfaction with the state of the area over the years.
“The stormwater canals have been neglected and a lot of bush grows around the park where there is now still water which flows into the road when there are heavy rains or a blockage. My biggest concern is how this all affects our children. We have to keep our doors closed all the time. As we approach summer it’s only going to get worse. When it is hot there is a terrible stench in my yard from all the water and sewage which flows into our premises from time to time. This issue has been ongoing since before lockdown. It is a huge inconvenience and a health hazard,” he said.
Another resident, Rasheena Badri, who has lived in the area for 42 years, stressed the lack of service delivery to the community. “Blocked drains, the unbearable smell, mosquitoes and other issues are just unacceptable. We pay rates and taxes and it’s only right that we get the service that we deserve,” she said.
“The municipality has failed to maintain the area which has led to numerous complaints from the public and nearby businesses about mosquitoes, illegal dumping, sewage and stormwater overflow. This is a great concern. Myself and other community members have contacted the city countless times to try get it to clean up and maintain the area. One of the residents was even forced to move out of the house which is adjacent to the park because they could no longer tolerate the ongoing issue. There are things that I can do, but there are others which are beyond my control and I have to refer residents to the departments of parks and engineering,” explained a disappointed PR ward 75 councillor, Sthembiso Ngema.
He added that after a recent complaint, contractors were assigned to the area, but left a pile of detritus and dumped it on the pavement, causing an obstruction for pedestrians and runners along Himalayas Road. “It’s unfortunate that the ratepayers are failed by the city to this extent,” said Ngema.
eThekwini Municipality was not available for comment by the time of going to print.
WATCH: Residents call for Merebank to return to its former glory
