Umkomaas beach begs for attention

Umkomaas residents are becoming increasingly frustrated at the state of their town, and particularly the beach, which they feel is being neglected.

Fisherman Peru Govender, who has lived in Umkomaas since 1974, is one of many who say they have first-hand experience of people, both local and visitors, being reluctant to spend time at the beach because it is unsanitary.

“The toilet facilities basically no longer exist,” said Mr Govender.

“I have also seen what appears to be sewer water from the railway houses flowing down into the parking bay at the river mouth.

The river mouth is a popular recreation spot, often used by people wanting to braai, picnic and swim.

Last Saturday saw an influx of people, some of whom drove or walked through this dirty water, with one holidaymaker even washing his feet in this water, assuming it was fit for purpose.

“There are days when this water is clear and looks as if it is clean, but it really isn’t,” said Mr Govender.

“Sometimes there is no smell, but on windy days, the stench wafts across the entire beach. This is especially unpleasant for diners in the restaurant there.”

Mr Govender said that this had been an issue for as long as he could remember.

“It dries up, but after a short time, we’re back to square one.”

Other problems include no parking bay markings, an old ablution facility all but covered by overgrown grass and bush making it dangerous to use and, just before the river mouth, the only working toilet and ablution block is now locked.

General consensus seems to be that the beach toilets were a problem even before the lockdown.

“Before lockdown, the roof began to cave in and there were some water issues,” Mr Govender said.

“When lockdown was announced, the building was locked and is still locked, leaving beachgoers no choice but to either make use of nearby bushes or leave the beach.

“I feel particularly sorry for women who have on more than one occasion been forced to urinate and even defecate behind the ablution block.

“Aside from being extremely degrading, it’s also a health hazard, especially at a beach often frequented by children,” he said.

According to one businessman, beachgoers have started making a habit of using the toilet facilities at business premises at the beach.

“While we understand that they have limited options, it’s a slap in the face when we allow them to use our toilets and they are left in a filthy state, with some people even stealing our toilet paper.

“We have to then not only pay extra money towards our water bill because of the constant flushing and washing of hands, but have to also clean more often and replace whatever’s been used up.”

With the festive season fast approaching, the Umkomaas community hopes its beach will be restored to its former pristine condition and will once again welcome visitors instead of chasing them away.

These issues have been reported to council, and feedback is awaited.

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