WATCH: Gap in M4 fence puzzles local councillor
Durban North ward councillor says City's fence is 'futile' without the gap in the fence being closed.
DURBAN North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley has questioned the decision to leave a gap in the newly erected pedestrian fence next to the walkway at the Ellis Brown Viaduct tower on the M4. A cyclist was recently attacked in the vicinity by two men who dragged her down the stairs of the tower. Ryley said the decision to leave the gap was futile.
Since 2015, there have been a number of armed muggings on the walkway (going towards Riverside Road) targeting runners, cyclists and pedestrians.
The wire-mesh fence, topped with barbed wire, is situated behind the wooden bollards and runs from the tower all the way to the entrance road of the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve.
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“The fence is much welcomed but it’s disappointing to see a big gap where the attacks have been taken place. There is a lack of consultation between the City, the residents and myself in respect to the fence. Access is still open from the Beachwood Mangroves entrance so there is no need for this section to be open. It’s purely from a safety point of view in light of what has happened in the last few weeks,” he said.
