THE area outside the Pinetown Library has once again become a cesspit of filth, stolen and discarded items with raw sewerage flowing freely along Crompton Street.
Cllr Tim Brauteseth and his ward committee are deeply concerned about the state of the area in and around Crompton Road and the Pinetown Library.
“The ward committee conducts regular inspections in the Pinetown area and one of my committee members, Beth Vickers, highlighted this area. There are multiple problems here, none of which have been adequately addressed by the municipality,” said Brauteseth.
Last year, councillor Brauteseth highlighted the need for adequate fencing around the library to prevent criminal and vagrant elements from continuously polluting the area.
“I met with Parks, Libraries and Architecture officials and the general agreement was that there would be an application for additional fencing along Crompton Street and Park Lane to protect this valuable asset of the city. To date, this project has not proceeded any further. As a result, the open area behind the florist has become a dumping ground for stolen computers, television sets, mattresses and other items. There is also no doubt that the area is used by drug addicts and prostitutes,” added Cllr Brauteseth.
To make matters worse, a nearby building discharges effluent directly into Crompton Street which then flows into the storm water system. “I have raised this issue with the Waste Water and Environmental Health Departments and they have advised that the sewer manholes in the building have collapsed and the sewerage is leaking out onto Crompton Street through the storm water drains. The building is infested with rats, waste and other serious health related issues,” said Brauteseth.
“The state of affairs at the library and the surrounding area is completely unacceptable. The municipality must fast track the erection of palisade fencing around the library and must implement necessary security controls. Furthermore, the owners of defective buildings in the area must be taken on aggressively to curtail their wanton disregard of the by laws of eThekwini. This facility is intended for learning and relaxation. It is insane that residents must dodge vagrants, drug addicts, prostitutes, rubbish dumps and flowing sewerage to improve their knowledge,” concluded Brauteseth.
