But who will enforce the law?
COMMUNITY activists have questioned who will enforce the Nuisance and Behaviour in Public Places by-laws passed by the eThekwini Municipality, especially with police turning a blind eye to current problems, including littering, that plague the city.
Satish Dhupelia visited Durban’s North Beach on Sunday morning and posted photographs he took of filth strewn on the roads. This included empty beer bottles. “It was terrible to be confronted by so much dirt. It was disgusting,” said Dhupelia.
“I arrived at the beach at around 8am and the cleaners were trying to do their best but there was just too much filth – even after I completed my walk two hours later.
“I spoke to a car guard and he said there were buses and taxis parked there the night before and the occupants drank themselves silly and played loud music. My question is, you are not allowed to drink in public, so how was this allowed in the first place?”
He questioned who would enforce the new by-laws when some incidents went unnoticed.
Asked if this image would negatively affect the province during the hosting of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Dhupelia said the event was a waste of taxpayers’ money.
He said millions would be invested in the games and this money would be better spent in taking care of the city’s citizens.
“We will be spending a ridiculous amount of money when so many people live in shacks and have no access to water and electricity. We should be investing in them, rather than hosting the games.
“South Africa has a large number of people who are dependent on the city and government for their survival in terms of grants, and the municipality has also increased its soup kitchens from 83 to 136,” he said.
“By doing this, they are making people more dependent rather than independent. Instead of using the money for the games, it could be better spent helping them develop skills once we have an investment from government.”
He said the games would not help these people.
“We had the Fifa World Cup. Have you seen a change? No. We only saw goodwill and those who could afford it attended the matches.
“We don’t need a temporary boost to the city, we need tangible things that will sustain these people through life.”
Human rights commentator and attorney Saber Jazbhay added that
Bob Rock: What I noticed is that a lot of people from out of Durban complain about how dirty it is when they arrive, but the truth is that we as Durban know our city is much cleaner and it only really gets that bad when people visiting arrive! I personally witness this at popular beachfront venues and at the harbour.
Vincent Pillay: It’s all about the individuals’ upbringing. If they the by-laws, if not enforced, would dampen Durban’s image before the games.
“We generally have a situation where, when there is an international sporting event or conference, homeless people are taken off the streets by the police and shipped elsewhere. This is not the solution,” he said.
“Durban will have to be showcased as a tourist and investor friendly city – but not only during special occasions.”
He said that if enforced correctly, the by-laws would show the millions of visitors to KwaZulu-Natal that South Africa was not just a Third World country but had cities with First World standards. were taught proper manners while growing up, they wouldn’t throw litter and garbage anywhere. They would use litter bins and refuse dumps to throw their waste.
Luvashnee Sigamoney: It’s simple. If you are done with something, find a trash bin and get rid of your litter.
My son is 2 and he knows not to litter. Coming to the question at hand, Durban beachfront areas are clean Monday to Friday but on the weekend it’s like walking into a garbage dump.
I agree with Vincent Pillay, it’s all about one’s upbringing and
Jazbhay said he was also at the beachfront on Sunday and was disturbed by the litter and dirt. He added that the city did not have the manpower to enforce the by-laws.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Vasu Moodley, a trustee with the Association of Clean Communities.
“When it comes to cleaning litter, the municipality is doing its job but it’s the public who don’t care where they throw their dirt. We have advised those who drive and own taxis to throw their rubbish in packets but you will still find them flinging things through their windows even while driving. In terms of people drinking in public, I don’t think the police have the manpower to knowing the responsibility we have to this Earth.
Veez Naidoo: Durban is a beautiful city. I wouldn’t say that the whole of Durban is filthy but parts of Durban are. That’s all because of our municipality, who have allowed parts of Durban to degenerate. I love the idea of new by-laws being passed but I hope the municipality can take control of the situation. Alcohol consumption in any public place should warrant an arrest for those who break the laws and they should be fined a maximum amount of money… R500 or three months imprisonment. If monitor what is going on.”
Moodley said it was vital that the municipality fine errant citizens and name and shame them. “This will prevent them contravening the bylaws in the future. It will be a deterrent.”
He said Durbanites had to get their act together and clean up the city. caught the second time for the same offence, a fine of R1 000 or six months imprisonment should be the norm. It’s time our government runs this country properly and the days of breaking by-laws should end right now. Some of the comments on Satish Dhupelia’s Facebook
page:
Vijay Dhanraj: There should be no excuse for littering. Those cleaners employed for clearing up should be greening the city with flowers and shrubs. This happens all over. Freedom without responsibility. Shame.
Strini Naidu: I thought drinking in public was illegal. What are the friggin cops stationed there doing about it? #TakingBribes???
Shenaaz Khan: It was so sad to observe the police sit in their vehicles and do nothing about correcting the behaviour of school groups when it comes down to ‘keep our city clean’. In my opinion the police should approach the group leaders – ‘educators’ who have brought these kids to the promenade – and ensure every bit of litter is placed in the bins provided before they are given the go-ahead to leave.