EDITOR – I would like ward councillor, Nicole Graham, on behalf of the residents of Bulwer, to pass this on to the appropriate people in the local government.
Why is Glenwood/Bulwer one of the most neglected suburbs in the greater Durban area?
We have constant problems with electricity supply, water pressure, overgrown verges and trees, street cleanliness and crime and prostitution.
We pay our rates and taxes and get very little in return. If something fails to work in our suburb, it takes days for anyone to respond, if at all. The filth and general state of the suburb is disgusting, houses are left to go to ruin and druglords move in, apparently without any consequences. Beautiful period homes are being used as communes, and rubbish is just thrown anywhere to rot in the heat. Pavements are dangerous to walk on. Our beautiful Pigeon Valley is now subject to crime, and no one wants to walk there – even that is not maintained.
I remember attending a meeting last year where there were all sorts of promises made on behalf of the local municipality. Where are all the improvements? We were told guards were going to be prominent throughout Glenwood, but this lasted three months then they vanished. The prostitution is still rife.
I lived for three years in the Northern suburbs: this sort of urban decay did not exist and still does not. Is it because the rich are better looked-after then the poor? Surely it should be the other way around. There are many poor people now living in Glenwood; does this mean they have to be ignored and allowed to live in disgusting conditions?
Why do we have to rely on local community safety forums to police our streets?
Why are loud and disruptive concerts allowed in a densely populated area?
Why do the residents have to have regular clean-ups to collect rubbish?
This is what we pay rates for.
I would appreciate a response from local government.
Hazel and Ian Quirk
Glenwood
