Umkomaas business owners and residents showed unity at a meeting in the cul de sac of Achille Fontana Crescent, Umkomaas last Saturday, to discuss various aspects that impact Ward 99.
Like-minded locals also recently started a community-driven project installing street cameras, to potentially keep the town safe.
The speaker on the day was chief whip of the Inkatha Freedom Party in the National Assembly, Honourable Narend Singh who was joined by local councillor Jane Naidoo.
Security companies’ representatives were present, as well as representatives of the Saps.
Issues discussed were the R102 and N2 restoration (after flood damage), streetlights, water tower and reservoir, water tankers, sewage leaks, dilapidated buildings which include vagrants and drug activity, taxi ranks, dumping, crime, verge and beach maintenance and the conditions of public facilities (town hall, tennis courts and clinic were concerns among others).
Honourable Singh stated that prior to the meeting he visited several sites in the area regarding the topics of discussion.
A major concern was the R102 restoration. This section in question is situated near the river and affects motorists commuting between Umkomaas and Ilfracombe.
This road was extensively damaged during the floods this year which caused the ground underneath the road to collapse, as well as parts of the road. Only one lane is operable, but this section is just barricaded and is yet to be fixed.
Honourable Singh mentioned that he had raised this matter with the Minister of Transport and explained how dangerous it is for motorists and pedestrians who could fall down the embankment which evidently has exposed power lines, and questioned when and if there is a plan to sort this road out.
He was informed that quotes were recently received from contractors and work will commence once a contractor is appointed, hopefully before December.
After going into all other matters, Honourable Singh thanked the community for their time.
“This is a diverse ward in terms of developments and needs and we need to work together to grow,” he said.
The public was given an opportunity to pose questions and raise matters as well.
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