Clean-up operation tackles long-standing service delivery issues on The Bluff

THE South Durban Basin Area Based Management’s (SDB ABM) Operation Good Hope kicked-off to a great start with various long-standing service delivery issues being addressed on The Bluff, recently.

Mcebo Mbatha, SDB ABM’s project coordinator said, they worked in partnership with various stakeholders including ward 66 councillor Zoë Solomon, Bluff Ratepayers and Residents Association (BRRA), PEP team, and various city departments such as DSW, parks, electricity, compliance, safer cities, among others.

He said during the operation they addressed various issues, including sewage bursts and overflows, replaced manhole covers, picked up litter, as well as cut trees, bushes and verges, among others.

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“We decided to kick off the operation as a response to the long-standing issues that we were aware of and that were brought to our attention. The various city departments worked well over the week to address many of the major issues. We aim to work hand-in-hand with our community leaders and will continue to address the service delivery issues on The Bluff,” he said.

Allison Schoeman, BRRA’s vice-chairperson said their efforts over the past couple of months to uplift The Bluff have proved to be progressive.

“It is impossible to overlook the events that have led to the operation. The sewage issue at the Kingfisher Creek Wetland Park has persisted for nearly two years, with many residents being forced to leave due to the unbearable stench. The fact that the issue has finally been resolved is significant. It is a testament to the power of the BRRA, provided that all residents are on board.

“The reactivation of the BRRA and our vigorous efforts to build an active association has resulted in notable changes in recent months. By refusing to settle for current service delivery levels, and by asking the right questions while being mindful of established legislation and protocols, we have reignited the drive to achieve success in all areas,” she said.

Schoeman said there was hope for the ward to be restored to its former glory.

“Hope is an incredibly powerful emotion that can make a huge difference in people’s lives. However, our objectives go well beyond engaging with city. We are dedicated to entirely revamping The Bluff.

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“The BRRA’s movement #TheBluffShakeUp aims to achieve our ambitious objective and it’s essential to join forces like never before. We want the community to unite with a common goal.

“We welcome all stakeholders on The Bluff to become part of the BRRA movement. Despite numerous challenges, we managed to make significant progress in a short amount of time, imagine what we could accomplish if we all worked together towards a common goal by the end of the year,” she said.

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