Dozens of fishermen can been seen daily illegally parked on the side of the M4 on the Tongaat River Mouth.
According to DA councillor Geoff Pullan the parking for this popular beach was closed and fenced off during the development of Zimbali. However the developments are long since complete and the parking area is still fenced and locked.
IFA Resorts Developments Phillip De Sylver said the parking area belongs to Tongaat Hullet and IFA Resort Development.
“It is a private place, it does not belong to the state. When we closed that parking, we did open a parking space for the fishermen, however they do not use it,” said De Sylver.
When the Courier visited the beach we could not find the above mentioned parking, and neither are the fishermen aware of its existence.
Pullan maintains that the parking area belongs to the state. For the past two years he has been attempting to get it re-opened. To this end he has written a letter to KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu, however he has not received a response.
“The parking area is in the “Admiralty Reserve” so it belongs to the nation,” said Pullan.
Chris Naicker, a fisherman who comes regularly to the beach, said they would really appreciate it if they could get an off-road parking area.
“Traffic officers sometimes come here and fine us for parking in the wrong place, but we have no choice because there is no parking for us,” said Naicker.
Aarlf Essa from La Mercy said when the parking was still open they used to come with their families and enjoy themselves.
“If the parking could be re- opened, you will see an increase in people coming to this beach. It is a beautiful beach, however people cannot come to this beach because there is no parking,” said Essa.
