Margate to get urgent attention

MANY think of Margate as the ‘capital’ of the South Coast, but it is in the spotlight once again this week for all the wrong reasons.

Business owners and others who have invested in property in the town are desperate for something to be done before it is lost to tourism and becomes a ghost town.

The latest concern is the iconic Olympic pool which has been closed for the last two months.

“Margate offers little these days – only the pool and the beach. So it’s vitally important that we protect both of these facilities,” said a business owner.

Simon April, spokesman for Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, confirmed that a problem had been detected at the pool.

However, professional opinion was still being sought on what to do.

Exacerbating the problem, getting the original plans for the pool from municipal archives was proving difficult. These were needed to help identify the cause of the leak.

“The municipality is doing its best to deal with the matter urgently,” he said.

Meanwhile, shop owners complained that groups of youngsters still continued to flock to the beach at weekends for booze binges, smashing bottles and wrecking facilities.

Teenagers were also seen openly passing on drugs.

Some shop owners were trying to be proactive by cleaning up the streets themselves when they opened in the mornings, but they feared it was a losing battle.

Saturday afternoons were rapidly becoming ‘shut down time’ for safety reasons.

Mr April confirmed that the satellite operating station manned by the law enforcement section was up and running – though only for specific times at the moment.

He said the municipality was well aware of the importance of Margate.

“All that I can say is that the challenges or glitches you have mentioned will be investigated and addressed.”

Justin Mackrory, CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism, said the application of by-laws and the good presentation of beach amenities was always an important element of destination management and reputation enhancement.

This was why they conducted evaluation tours on a regular basis.

“We have already discussed findings with the management at Ray Nkonyeni Municipality and trust that action within their departments will take place.”

Newly elected Ward Councillor Dave Watson said there were various areas of concern currently being addressed:

* It was agreed that there were multiple and some long outstanding issues with the standards on Margate beachfront;

* The maintenance schedule was sadly lacking .This was being addressed as there was a short-term solution within current budget allocations and service delivery requirements.

* Staff supervision was also an ongoing issue which the municipal manger had promised to rectify. It should be noted that at times the staff were on legitimate breaks, but inputs from the public would assist;

* A recent meeting with the Margate Business Association and concerned businessmen had had very positive outcomes with law enforcement agreeing to certain operational changes that would increase the police presence (especially after hours). There would be vigorous implementation of by-law enforcement;

* The amusement park, swimming pool area and the state of the wooden fencing and boardwalk were under investigation;

* More positive improvements to the walkway and car park at the end of the promenade were impressive. “The Margate Urban Improvement Plan needs to be implemented, but it also needs to address these ‘low hanging fruits’ at the same time,” said Mr Watson.

* It was agreed that the standards in Margate, Ramsgate and Southbroom needed to be improved dramatically. A strategic plan was currently being put together in conjunction with the different civic associations and businesses.

* The economic stability and growth of the whole South Coast was, to a certain extent, dependent on the profile and facilities in this complex. This would ensure accountability, holistic planning, correct budgeting and an intimate relationship between the different public and private stakeholders;

* The area had many positive aspects and remained stunningly attractive for holidaymakers and residents. “Addressing of the issues identified needs to be fast-tracked so that we can build on those strengths.”

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