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Mdu Nkosi, IFP executive committee member, said the city’s parks department was a cause for concern. He called for intensive by-law enforcement saying south beach has turned into a haven for vagrancy.

“We have raised most of these issues with the mayor. Clearly, there is a lack of monitoring in that department. Some of the issues date far back then the lockdown. This situation has worsened since there is not maintenance taking place. A clear plan is needed on how this department will turn things around under the current circumstances. The parks and beaches play a critical role in our tourism, promoting the city and generating revenue,” he said.

Msawakhe Mayisela, spokesperson for the municipality, said they were pulling out all the stops to ensure that essential services were not compromised.

“Priority will be given to the maintenance of parks, verges, public roads, islands and caring for the wildlife in all our facilities.

The cleaning of public facilities, community halls, the beach and propagation of plants at the nurseries and pruning of trees overhanging or causing an obstruction, is also being attended to.

“Due to the shortage of staff, bush clearing, general pruning of trees and stream cleaning will be carried out once the department has cleared the backlogs caused by the lockdown,” said Mayisela.

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