Derelict ablution block undergoes repairs
Vagrants have been seeking shelter in the ablution block for some time.
Work on the neglected ablution block in the Scottburgh CBD is well under way.
There has been many complaints about this public space over the years. Four years ago, the South Coast Herald – Mid South Coast Edition did a site visit after being informed that vagrants were using the ablution block as a drug den. During the visit, it was evident that this statement was true as drug paraphernalia was seen on the floor.
There was also faeces and urine everywhere, as well as empty alcohol bottles and litter. This situation had remained the same over time, and whenever it was given some sort of attention, it returned back to its original state.
Umdoni Municipality’s acting mayor, Cllr Mthandeni Mbutho together with the municipal manager, Thabisile Ndlela recently conducted an inspection of the ablution facilities in Scottburgh and near the taxi rank. The green light was given for repairs to commence.
“Action has been taken by the municipality to once again repair the continuously vandalised ablution facilities after a public outcry regarding these facilities which have been converted into a shelter for social ills by vagrants,” said Umdoni Municipality’s communications manager, Sphelele Cele.
The repair work is nearing completion and locals can expect this project to be fully completed by the end of January.
The scope of repair work includes: replacement of cisterns and toilet seats; painting and pressure washing of external walls; tiling of the floor; complete plumbing with stoppers; paving; landscaping; tidying and cleaning up the site and replacement of doors and locks.
“The public’s concerns did not fall on deaf ears thus the repair work is being conducted,” added Mbutho.
“We plead with the public to refrain from vandalising these facilities as they are of great assistance to people in town.”
He concluded by explaining how vandalism of any structure hinders the progression of service delivery.
“We condemn such acts and any person caught vandalising municipal infrastructure will face the full might of the law.”
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