From a flourishing community to an eyesore
FROM long stretches of beach to having the deepest natural harbour on the African continent, Richards Bay is a popular tourist town.
But for those who moved to the small community of Brackenham in Richards Bay almost 35 years ago, the once scenic area has become an eyesore.
They say the lack of service delivery by the City of uMhlathuze, the local municipality, is destroying the North Coast suburb.
“We are surrounded by attractive facilities, yet we have to look at unclean verges and roadside waste. This is not fair,” said Ricky Perumal, a resident.
Perumal, 53, of Emerald Feather Road, lived on a farm with his parents on the outskirts of Empangeni, about a 20-minute drive to Richards Bay, before they were given council homes.
He, his parents and four sisters moved to Brackenham in 1987. Perumal later went on to marry and raise two children. He said they created fond memories at the municipal facilities.
“These homes were built by the then House of Delegates for Indians who lived on farms or informal dwellings in and around Empangeni. When we moved to Brackenham, we were amazed by how beautiful the place was. The verges were well-maintained, the street lights worked, and services were provided. But this changed drastically over the years, and nothing seems to be done about it.”
Perumal said several open spaces were no longer used by the community because they were unkempt and attracted the wrong crowd.
“As a teenager and later when I had my own children, we spent time at the parks – playing on the swings and slides, kicking around the ball, or having picnics. Sadly, the residents no longer go to the parks. The playground facilities are not safe to use. The swing chains and seats have been removed, and the slides have rusted. The parks have become a dumping ground and a hangout for drug addicts.”
He said he and other residents approached councillors to install and maintain outdoor gyms at the park.
“But nothing happened, and we lost hope in asking again. If there were gyms in well-maintained parks, it would hopefully keep the youth occupied and fit and prevent people from dumping their trash.”
Perumal said residents disposed of their refuse in open spaces because there were no skips.
“Because of this, you will find dumping on the roadsides as well.”
He said they were also concerned about the vacant land in the area, which was earmarked for low-cost housing.
“Low-cost homes were supposed to be built in phases between Aquadene and Brackenham. The first lot, of about 650 RDP houses, was meant to be built about two years ago. The roads were built and the land was graded. Instead of construction taking place, all you see are tall grass and bushes.
“It’s upsetting because many people desperately need homes, while projects meant to uplift them never seem to get off the ground. Hopefully, informal settlements don’t spring up.”
Mandy Michael, 46, said her family were among the first to get a council home in the area.
This meant moving from Empangeni to Ebony End Road.
“I was about 12 years old when my grandmother and mum’s sister were each given a house. So our entire family moved into the area. I remember having family get-togethers and braais in the parks every other weekend. We also felt safe, but not any more.”
Michael, a mother of two, moved to Lobatum Road about 29 years ago.
“The area was initially well kept, but service delivery began to deteriorate.
“Now the roadside manholes are not cleaned regularly and are blocked by overgrown grass and bush. It was terrible during the heavy rains last week.
“Most of the roads were flooded because the water could not drain into the manholes. Our councillor and ward committee members went on their hands and knees to remove the bush and grass covering the manholes.
“In addition, the street lights are on during the day but off at night. It does not make sense. We reported it to the municipality, but nothing was done.”
Michael, the deputy chairperson of the Brackenham Civic Association, said while residents’ rates increased by more than 40% last year, service delivery had
not improved.
“So why must residents pay so much but don’t benefit? There was no public participation on the matter despite handing over a petition with 1500 signatures to the mayor’s office to object. Up until now, there has been no feedback or acknowledgement of receipt. The municipality does not include us in decision-making. We are not taken into consideration.”
Another resident, Jay Pillay, 65, and his wife have been selling plants for eight years on Via Davallia Road – on land provided by the municipality.
He said they had permits and operated on weekends, but he hoped the municipality would build a market
that they and about 10 other informal traders could use.
“We currently don’t have access to water, electricity, an ablution facility or proper parking for customers. We want a proper flea market instead of selling under trees and near the roadside. This is neither safe for us nor our customers.
“I approached our councillor with the idea and suggested we set up on land close to a hall so we can access water and electricity. There are also toilets and a parking area. This will benefit us and the community. They will have a place to visit at weekends. It will also encourage others to open small businesses.”
The municipality did not respond at the time of publication.