After multiple break-ins, the beach front sanitation facilities at King’s Beach are in a state of utter disrepair and ward councillor, Renaldo Gouws, is concerned that this might cost the beach its Blue Flag status.
The vandalism is restricted to the male toilets, where copper pipes were stolen, urinals damaged and sand and various types of waste strewn over the floor.
In one of the toilet cubicles, it is evident from the soot and damage on the walls that someone even started a fire in the basin and on the floor.
Outside the building, copper pipes were stolen from the shower taps and the small room where – before lockdown – vendors would usually sell their goods, was broken into and vandalised too.
According to Gouws, the long, unkempt grass is a clear indication that it was cut at least seven months ago.
He said that the vandalism started after there was a break-in at his office in April this year, shortly after the lockdown was declared.
“I highly doubt that we will retain Blue Flag Beach status with the current state of these facilities.
“The area has definitely been targeted due to the lower levels of traffic during lockdown.
“It is unfortunate that my plea and that of the Kings Beach Lifesaving Club are falling on deaf ears,” he said.
“As the ward councillor, I have raised this issue time and time again and yet all I have received from the municipality is silence,” he added.
Gouws also mentioned that he had asked for security guards at the beach front, especially after water tanks, copper pipes, lifesaving items and computers were stolen from the lifesaving club and his office, but to no avail.
“The residents that have seen the destruction are up in arms. They are frustrated by the municipality’s failure in utilising their rates and taxes to maintain the facilities,” Gouws said.
“The municipality has not cut any grass in Nelson Mandela Bay for seven months due to the grass-cutting contract expiring.
“The residents and I decided that was best to cut the grass in front of the SuperTubes ourselves this past week.”
One of the ward residents, Jenny Thompson, said that safety and security were a great concern for them.
“Petty theft has become almost a daily occurrence. Over the years all we hear is that there is no budget for a stronger police presence on our beach front.
“I walk from Marshall Road to the pier every day and it’s sad and sickening to see the steady decline of our once beautifully kept beach front.
“Lawns are overgrown, litter is blown all over the place and I have to often jump over used sanitary towels and soiled nappies that have fallen out of the bags placed on the pavements along the road.
“We are living a nightmare and waiting with bated breath to experience the next chapter,” she added.
Another resident, Clifford Hanks, said that the situation at the beach front was ridiculous. “From Hobie Beach, the pier and all the way down to Something Good, it looks like a jungle because the grass hasn’t been cut. It’s terrible and no attention has been paid to the theft and vandalism of the facilities,” he said.
Hanks added that his big concern is what will happen when interprovincial travel is allowed again and if anyone will want to come to Nelson Mandela Bay.
“Why would you want to come to a beach front that looks like a dog’s breakfast, where the lawn hasn’t been mowed and everything’s been vandalised? It’s all quite ridiculous,” he added.
NMBM spokesperson, Mamela Ndamase, said, “We are in communication with Safety and Security to implementsustainable security arrangements for the beaches and their facilities.”
