Hout Bay Harbour has its challenges, but those challenges are being addressed, says Trevor Schoeman.
The article “ Hout Bay Harbour a crime-ridden eyesore” of February 21 totally portrays Hout Bay as a crime-infested area. That is a reflection of bad journalism by the reporter.
Statistical evidence of the crime figures were not produced but generalised on hearsay from tourists and locals.
I spend most of my days at the harbour because it is my place of employment and I am amused by her statement that robbing of people takes place regularly.
I am not disputing that there is crime but it is not out of proportion as reported by the writer of the article.
I have noticed that since the implementing of the Fisheries Harbour Facilities Management by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries visible security and cleaning of the harbour has led to drastically fewer criminals being visible.
The project workers of this Expanded Public Works Programme have been commended by tourists and locals for their services.
The workers responsible for security have been physically threatened and sworn at by known criminals in the community.
The project workers reside in the community where the criminals come from but because of their commitment to making Hout Bay a safer place they get up for work and do what they do best every day, keeping Hout Bay Harbour safe for visitors.
The implementer that has been contracted by the department has submitted written recommendations on how security can be upgraded by the deployment of additional security personnel and also on security equipment and technology that should be installed at the harbour.
The reporter should investigate insurance fraud involving sunken vessels. One becomes very suspicious why there are vessels that have sunk.
Hout Bay Harbour has its challenges like any other harbour in South Africa or other South African tourist destinations but those challenges are being addressed.
Trevor Schoeman
Hout Bay
* The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.