Darnall, a forgotten town
The once flourishing farming community of Darnall feels that their town has been forgotten.
It was once a flourishing farming community, but many residents feel the small town has been forgotten.
Darnall is situated just off the N2, a 10-minute drive from Stanger.
But gaping potholes, filthy rivers, crime and a lack of assistance from local government is casting a shadow on the once proud little town.
The area has an active community policing forum (CPF) established in 1997, possibly making it one of the oldest in the Ilembe district.
It is chaired by Roy Naidoo, former councillor and political activist, who took the Courier on a tour.
“Our CPF tries to step in that gap where government and police cannot. We try our best to work with the KwaDukuza municipality but they do not respond to us. I, together with Gail Harris and Chevon Williams, have been there since the beginning,” said Naidoo.
Naidoo pointed out the Darnall Dam, which was a “forest on water” until Tongaat Hulett and the Ilembe district started clearing away marsh recently.
“The water is still contaminated and unsafe for our children to cross, because crocodiles have been spotted around there,” he said.
Another river that runs through a residential area is filled with rubbish, old tyres and muck. When it rains, the river swells and water sloshes over the small footbridge, making it difficult for children to get to the main road for school.
Naidoo said there is little visible policing, with the nearest police station at least 15km away, in Stanger.
“Our CPF works with cellphones, alerting each other about suspected crime. We have tried to link up with SAPS, to ask for at least one patrol vehicle for Darnall.”
Naidoo believes the sad lack of recreational facilities adds to a growing drug problem.
“There used to be a badminton court, tennis court and two football fields, which are no more. Our children have nothing to do after school.”
Naidoo said the CPF would be open to working with the municipality and SAPS, given the chance.
Their next general meeting is on September 11, which is open to the public.
Contact Naidoo on 073 754 4456.
