Revamp of popular spot to hang out off to good start

THE revamping of popular East London hang-out spot Ebuhlanti went ahead this week, with lighting and stormwater drainage work already completed.

This was welcomed by the popular picnic site’s braai vendors yesterday.

The spot, also known as Marina Glen, is receiving minor rehabilitation work after city manager Nceba Ncunyana announced the metro’s plans to fix up the park ahead of the festive season.

Although the work was supposed to have started on November 14 with its temporary closure, city bosses later softened the stance on closing Ebuhlanti after a huge outcry from the braai vendors, who complained that shutting it down completely would result in a loss of income for them.

The metro then decided to close one section of the park while work was being done on the other.

Buffalo City Metro spokesman Sibusiso Cindi told the Saturday Dispatch yesterday that from Monday residents could expect some parts of the park to be closed as part of the revamp, which would include regravelling the road.

“We had a meeting this morning with different directorates of BCM to give feedback on the work that has been done and what still needs to be done to make Ebuhlanti habitable this festive season.

“The lighting and electricity work is complete and sorted. Ablution facilities still need to be done, while work has started on the stormwater drains.

“We also noted that there are few bins in the park when compared to the number of people who go to that place,” Cindi said, adding that additional bins would be delivered.

The vendors’ committee chairwoman, Nonkqubela Gobinduku, said none of them had been removed from the park to make way for the revamp work yet.

“The lights are working now, the bushes have been cleared and they have erected small concrete poles next to the drains to prevent drivers from driving over them and damaging their cars too,” said Gobinduku.

The brick stands from which some vendors braai meat will also be fixed.

Cindi said as an alternative BCM will issue drums for the vendors to use until the stands are ready for use again.

“Their business won’t stop as we will issue them with drums to braai on,” Cindi said. — mamelag@dispatch.