FOR the last year, the alarming state of the fence along the Beachwood Mangroves on the M4 has been cause for concern for local residents and cyclists. The fence, which was riddled with holes, was being used by vagrants as well as thieves who were targeting cyclists along the Ellis Brown Viaduct pedestrian bridge to escape into the nature reserve. Now the municipality, as well as the roads department, has taken decisive measures to secure the reserve and the freeway.
Durban North councillor, Shaun Ryley, has welcomed the repair, which is focusing on the section between Blue Lagoon and the Swapo (Broadway) Road turn-off going towards the city.
“I approached the municipality following the spate of attacks on cyclists last year to highlight the issue, especially from a safety point of view. Cable thieves were also using the holes in the fence along the reserve as a safe way to gain access to the copper cables that run along the M4. This problem has been longstanding and I’ve noticed holes in the fence from as far back as Waterkant Road.
“I’m glad the municipality has stepped in and it is a step in the right direction, it’s unfortunate it’s not something more durable but hopefully it will deter people who have been using the fence as a thoroughfare. Clear view fencing would be ideal, but I understand it is all about the costs involved. The fence was in urgent need of repair and through persistence from residents, we’ve come up with a solution for the time being,” he said.
Ryley added the parks department had also initiated a programme to clear and maintain the area around the fencing which was overgrown with thick vegetation.
