Security stepped-up on Riverside Road
Through ongoing talks with the City, there is now a security presence on the busy road with eight security guards posted at various points along the route popular with visitors and cyclists.
THE current rejuvenation project on Riverside Road has been welcomed by a number of residents, stakeholders and ward councillor, Shaun Ryley. Through ongoing talks with the City, there is now a security presence on the busy road with eight security guards posted at various points along the route popular with visitors and cyclists.
Margaret Burger of the Umgeni Estuary Conservancy has also helped weed out the alien vegetation along the road. The eThekwini parks department has laid out two flower beds across the road from the Umgeni Bird Park as part of a beautification effort.
According to councillor Ryley, the much-needed project has admittedly taken a bit of time but the project is beginning to bear fruits.
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“We’ve had several meeting with stakeholders and city officials about the Riverside Road node which has been a long process. What is promising is Riverside Road is now seen as extension of the promenade on the south side of the river. Since the rejuvenation programme began we’ve seen the undesirable elements being pushed out and the trail along the river also aesthetically looking much better,” he explained.
However what was most promising for Ryley was the addition of eight security guards on Riverside Road.
“The security guards are spread out along the road, with two guards near the Connaught Bridge side, two based near the M4 bridge (in the vicinity of the Ellis Brown Viaduct turret), two at the Umgeni Bird Park and two on the trail just below the road surface. In the past we’ve had reports of muggings of domestic workers and staff from the SPAR walking to get a lift and this presence will go someway in alleviating that problem. The intention is to carry on a continued presence.
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It is believed the City is now considering a 24 hour presence on Riverside Road following an attack on a cyclist on the M4 bridge last week.
Ryley and Brian Daish of the Greenwood Park CPF have also praised the commitment from Greenwood Park police officers, warrant officer Swastika Pardhoothman and warrant officer Linx Govender.
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