Blue Flag beach a dump - resident

The Strandfontein Pavilion's Blue Flag status has been questioned with residents and visitors saying it is in a poor state. Photo: David Ritchie

The Strandfontein Pavilion's Blue Flag status has been questioned with residents and visitors saying it is in a poor state. Photo: David Ritchie

Published Dec 10, 2014

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Cape Town - The Strandfontein Pavilion’s Blue Flag status has been questioned, with residents of the area and visitors saying it is in a poor state.

“The roads are sinking, you don’t have access to the area. If I was told this was a Blue Flag beach, I would have said ‘what dump is this?’,” Strandfontein resident Peter Freeman said.

He said one of three parking lots was closed due to its poor state, while another, a popular braai spot and family picnic area, had been vandalised and was polluted.

”The road leading to Strandfontein Pavilion is crumbled. No one has access to it. People rather go further away to beaches like Muizenberg.

“The road needed a major upgrade and should never have been allowed to deteriorate,” Freeman said.

Athlone resident Isaac Thomas said: “I have tried for seven years for something to be done. I wrote to the city five years ago and have had little response.”

Thomas said he could barely access the area.

He said the area required increased policing after robbers killed an angler on Strandfontein beach in June.

Mayco member for community services and special projects Belinda Walker said: “It is very unfortunate the road infrastructure has been badly affected by coastal elements such as strong wind and wave action. However, we trust that the inconvenience will not deter families from making use of this recreation area.”

She said the pavilion was cleaned daily and lifeguards and law enforcement would be present at the beach and the tidal pool.

Mayco member for energy, environmental and spatial planning Johan van der Merwe said:

“The area is a complex space.”

An improvement plan was being developed. It would include a wooden boardwalk along the coastline in place of the old road, social facilities and rehabilitation of the coastal environment.

“The plans currently await budget allocation in the current 2014/15 financial year.”

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