Email war rages over Bluff filth
LINES have been drawn and sides taken as an email debate heated up on whose responsibility it is to keep the Bluff clean.
Bluff resident, Desre Gaze reignited the longstanding issue when she photographed graffiti-covered buildings on Foreshore Drive. “I have been a resident of the Bluff for more than 30 years and never did I imagine we would ever see it in this current state. Can someone explain the logic in the verges being trimmed, but not swept afterwards? The pavements, as well as sections of the roads, are covered in rubbish and this sorry sight is seen throughout the Bluff.”
“I am unable to take seriously generalised, sweeping statements that attempt to rubbish an entire suburb based on a few unsightly spots. There are 235 streets on the Bluff and for certain critics to claim that the entire Bluff is filthy, is not only factually disingenuous but irresponsible.
Whether one likes it or not – and I am not in the business of making excuses for the municipality – the following facts apply, the municipality has a one-month recess from December 15 to January 15. Obviously certain maintenance falls into abeyance during that time while nature asserts its growth as the summer season dictates and there is a division of labour, which sees the collecting of grass and tree trimmings done by a separate unit or contractor,” said ward 66 councillor, Duncan Du Bois.
Weighing in on the topic with Gaze and Du Bois were Bluff Ratepayers chairman, Ivor Aylward and Community Safety Organisation chairman, Rake Jeeves, along with many Bluff residents, all vociferous in their point of views on either side of the divide. Some said it was the responsibility of the municipality to clean the offending areas and others believed it was up to the residents themselves. Many agreed, however, that it is the residents themselves who are often at fault for the debris and dilapidation.
“Living on the Bluff for 55 years and working for the community as the Bluff Ratepayers chairman, I am always amazed at how it is the residents themselves who destroy and dump in the neighbourhood. Yes, our streets still have to be cleaned, our verges have to be cut and the grass that is growing in the gutters and storm water drains needs to be cleaned as per normal maintenance that we, as ratepayers are paying for, but people should get involved and conform to by-laws. Don’t litter if you want a clean suburb,” said Aylward.
“The Bluff is filthy and getting worse, with dilapidated buildings, litter all over the place and illegal dumping in nearly every park or bush area and on many stairways. When the municipality cuts verges litter is exposed, which is just left behind and very often the litter is shredded into thousands of pieces by the weed eaters,” said Rake Jeeves.
“There are people who think that verges, are for the dumping of their building debris and the like. ‘A nanny state outlook’ has taken root in which there are those who believe it is the municipality’s job to keep their verge in mint condition because, ‘they pay rates.’ To counter the carping and whingeing, I encourage readers to send in pictures of our suburb which reflect the positive visual aspects of the Bluff,” said Du Bois.
Which side do you agree with? Comment below, or email erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za with comments or photos.
Numbers to use to report maintenance, debris, litter or other issues:
* Health department: 031-311-3555
* Illegal dumping: 031-311-8804
* Parks department: 031-322-4000
* Refuse removal: 031-311-8824
* Emergencies: 031-361-0000
* Engineering services: 080-131-3013
* Bluff Ratepayers Association: 031-467-8109 or 082-822-2154
Always insist on a reference number when reporting incidents.
– erinh@dban.caxton.co.za
