DUMPING and robberies along North Beach and Bellamont Roads have continued to plague eMdloti residents, so much so that they have joined forces with the local urban improvement project (UIP) in an effort to eradicate these issues.
The aim is to extend the UIP from South Beach Road and create a uniform front throughout the area to improve security and aesthetics, said the UIP’s Terry Rens.
Earlier this year, resident, Gareth Nezar, with the assistance of the SAPS and a local security company, uncovered more than five escape routes used by a criminal gang that has been terrorising tourists visiting the seaside town. The criminals have cleared the vegetation on Bellamont Road and behind North Beach Road to shape these routes, which they use to stash their loot and evade police. To date, more than 42 robberies have been reported.
What’s more, dumping of garden refuse and other rubbish in the Bellamont Road forest has also reached epic proportions.
Fed up with the state of affairs, Carol Wyly, a Bellamont resident, initiated efforts to battle the ever-prevalent dumping. She also rallied support from the community to begin clearing the alien vegetation. The hope is that this will limit dumping and other criminal activities within the bush, said Rens.
Wyly and David Aberson, a North Beach Road resident, have been named ‘champions’ or representatives of their roads, said Rens.
“They have approached their neighbours and garnered more members for the UIP on their respective roads. In the past, eMdloti has been divided. But the UIP has worked so well on South Beach Road and now we are seeing some difference along Bellamont Road as well,” said Rens.
The community’s efforts have even garnered support from Durban Solid Waste, with new rubbish bins being placed along Bellamont Road.
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