Cape Town - Anglers and residents of Strandfontein are up in arms over a stretch of road at the Pavilion that has been washed away by the sea.
As summer approaches, Fisherman’s Lane, or “Broken Road” as it has been dubbed by fishermen, has come under the spotlight again. About 50 metres of road has been washed away, leaving three huge holes, which have been cordoned off.
This week resident Mario Oostendorp, of Proudly Strandfontein civic organisation, took to Facebook demanding answers from the City of Cape Town.
Posting a picture of the badly damaged road, he wrote: “This is Strandfontein Pavilion on the False Bay coastline. Home to the largest tidal pool in the southern hemisphere and visited by thousands of residents on the Cape Flats.
“The Broken Road and general upkeep of the pavilion has been a concern for years. The matter has been taken up with current and previous ward councillors, subcouncil and forums, however, to date no plans for any rehabilitation.”
City spokeswoman Priya Reddy says the matter is being addressed. She says an architect has been called in to investigate whether the road can be removed and replaced with a boardwalk.
“Maintaining and repairing the road and trying to keep the seawall intact is not likely achievable as the seawall is not founded on an appropriate foundation.
“The Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department has therefore proposed the removal of the road and rehabilitation of the area while still providing sufficient suitable access to the coastline with recreational opportunities,” Reddy says.
In addition to the boardwalk, the City proposed viewing decks and a jetty for the area.
Reddy would not say if any budget would be allocated to repairing the road, but said the public would have a say in the matter.
“The City intends to put forward three proposed designs for public participation during the course of the current 2016/17 financial year,” she added.
No reply
Strandfontein ward councillor, Elton Jansen, did not respond to queries.
But Errol Adams, owner of the Youth Angling Academy in Strandfontein, says they have been waiting “for years” for a revamp of the Pavilion. And in the meantime, anglers are being fined for driving over the sand dunes.
Another fisherman, Alridge February, 32, of Eerste River, says the road poses a danger due to poor lighting.
Mitchells Plain resident and angler Mogamat Sampson, 38, says it’s unfair that the City spends millions of rands to develop larney areas such as Sea Point and Maiden’s Cove, while Strandfontein struggles without infrastructure.
“I can remember when the pavilion looked kwaai, but the City just let it fall into disrepair. Why don’t they use the money for Sea Point to revamp the Pavilion? Is it because we are not white and rich?
“I used to bring my children to swim here, but now we can’t come here anymore because it’s too dangerous,” added February.
Meanwhile, the City spent R17 million in 2015 on upgrades to the Sea Point Promenade, including playparks. The City’s plans for a Maiden’s Cove Coastal Park will include R35 million worth of boardwalks between Clifton and Camps Bay, new braai facilities, an outdoor gym and upgrades to ablution facilities. Another boardwalk at Bantry Bay will cost a further R26.5 million.
Upgrades to Victoria Road are estimated at R30 milllion and the refurbishment of sidewalks, steps and lifesaving buildings will add a further cost of R10 million.
Daily Voice