Cabling threatens to destroy prize-winning garden
A DURBAN North resident who has spent countless hours beautifying his surroundings with roses may soon see them destroyed as the verge alongside his home is being dug up for the installation of fibre-optic cables.
James Easton, 28, was preparing for the flowering season when he received a notice saying the installation would affect his award-winning verges. About 90m of his home’s verge is decorated with a splendid mixture of roses.
Easton established the rose garden three years ago following his time in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre.
Easton said his garden symbolised the new chapter in his life.
He said landscaping and creativity were among the things he learnt during his rehabilitation period.
As a result he had been given a job as a landscaper and won Best Verges of the Year in the mayoral awards last year.
“This garden was the first successful project I completed after my counselling. I have invested more than R20 000 in the roses. I am now known as the ‘roses man’.”
He recalls a previous unfortunate incident where a car ploughed into his garden.
“I was surprised how much neighbours loved this garden, they were passing by offering help to regrow it. It was a sad moment not for only my family, but for all people who drive past here,” said Easton.
He understands that the verges belong to the municipality but that it is his responsibility to keep them neat and tidy. He is pleading with the fibre cabling contractor to co-operate with him.
“Since I received the notice I have been trying to engage with the contractors, and I’m hoping we can work together to save this garden.”
Easton is worried about the fibre’s trenches that go more than a metre deep.
“I spent hours every day ensuring that everything is in order in this garden, I wouldn’t mind working with the contractors voluntarily. The roses are very sensitive, it will affect their growth, especially during this season,” he said.
The notice has raised the neighbours’ concerns in Mvule Road, with other residents pleading with the city to intervene.
Easton enjoys the support of his father, Alex Easton, who is also concerned about the looming disruptions of his son’s work.
“He spent all his money preparing these verges and people loved it. We are not against any development, but I think the manner in which they do it is confusing. We had similar constructions a few years ago. Why can’t all network providers put all their cables together,” asked Easton.
He said they would like the contractors to work with them because his son may have to start afresh if they don’t co-operate with him.
Easton’s neighbours are also in full favour of saving the beautiful verges in their neighbourhood.
Nita Dippenaar offered to help in any way possible.
“I do not understand the logistics behind this project but I think there should be alternatives to protect this beautiful garden.
“This is also beautiful for us and our homes, we just need proper communication with the constructors,” said Dippenaar.
Ethekwini Municipality spokesperson Tozi Mthethwa said the matter had been passed to the relevant departments in order to establish whether the fibre-optic cables were being installed by a city department.
She said the results of the investigation would determine how the city remedies the matter.
The contractors could not be reached for comment.