Bonza Bay picnic fence

The recent misleading letter by a Beacon Bay resident slating the performance of all ward councillors refers.

The ward councillor for Ward 28, Beacon Bay, Marion Mackley, works very hard to deal with issues raised by residents and some of the officials, in many instances, do not respond to issues raised.

There is no doubt some other ward councillors also do what is required of them.

The balanced report on Beacon Bay by Madelaine Chaput, was responded to by the municipal spokesperson with incorrect information.

The fencing at the picnic area at Bonza Bay has been on the IDP for three years and the allocated funding has been used for other projects, as was the case again this year.

Funds were approved again, at the recent IDP roadshow, which is just that, a show.

It is now believed that it has been decided, despite the wishes of the community, to rather appoint a ranger. The Municipal Systems Act is very specific, stipulating that the needs of the community MUST be addressed. It is being ignored.

The request for fencing of the endangered dune forest at the Bonza Bay picnic site, is also supported by the ward committee.

Once the primary sand dune is exposed at Bonza Bay there will be no way of saving it.

The fencing must be erected and thereafter a ranger can be appointed to police the area as all the prohibitions on the noticeboards are totally ignored.

Despite meetings with all and sundry and a petition signed by a large number of residents, a submission to the office of the public protector pointing out the damage being done to the coastal vegetation, no action has been taken.

Money is however, being spent freely on fencing all the parks in the city viz. West Bank, Union Avenue, Vincent etc.

There is a desperate need to save the coastal bush from wood gatherers and packs of hunting dogs.