Call to action: Petition launched to protect Pelican Island

A Richards Bay resident is calling for Pelican Island to become a space protected from public drinking, reckless driving and litter. And judging by the fast-growing numbers of signatures on her Change.org petition, she is not alone.

Clarissa Lubbe (29) launched her petition at 5am today (Monday) and already has 323 signatures.
The petition calls for the City of uMhlathuze to enforce its public drinking by-laws at the popular recreation spot.

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“I’m a mother of three and Pelican Island is the only beach left for us to enjoy a picnic. But this weekend, it was just chaos: the alcohol, the broken glass everywhere. There’s no control there,” she said.

“Its safety and environmental integrity are under threat due to unsafe activities, reckless driving, and the widespread consumption of alcohol in public spaces, which is against the law.

“Over the years, we have witnessed tragic drownings, environmental damage, and increased disorder that endanger the lives of visitors and harm the natural beauty of this area.

“As concerned residents, we are calling on the uMhlathuze Municipality to take immediate action to restrict vehicle access, enforce public drinking by-laws and prevent disorderly behaviour, as well as install signage and deploy regular law enforcement patrols,” she said.

“The law-abiding public needs a place where they can go for recreation and where children can play safely without broken glass everywhere,” echoed fellow Richards Bay resident Morgan Smit.

The petition can be viewed here. 

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