THE only way is up as ‘Operation Facelift’ aims to improve the aesthetic of Bluff public staircases.
At a meeting with various municipal departments and ward 66 councillor, JP Prinsloo, an action plan was implemented to tackle the staircases in a bid to improve standards and safety.
Overgrown weeds, litter, debris broken stairs and railings and unsafe paths have become the bane of some residents’ homes. One such staircase is off Wylie Road, which Mrs Boekestein has been living next to for the last 50 years.
She said the steps haven’t been cleaned in the last six months and her son usually comes through to do some tidying every Friday on his own just to ensure her safety.
This tale and the many like it are why a strategy was put in place to tackle the problem.
“An updated list is required of all staircases located around the Bluff. The current list in possession of the roads maintenance department only consists of 31 staircases,” said Prinsloo.
The staircases will be inspected by Safer City so a log of detailed problems specific to each set is catalogued and a ranking of worst to best is established.
“Staircases will be dealt starting with those in the worst condition. The current stance of the municipality is to deal with complaints on a reactive basis and not in a pro-active manner. We have therefore, created the procedure to ensure each staircase is of the same standard. Safer Cities officials will inspect each staircase on a weekly basis to ensure standards and cleanliness of staircase are maintained at all times.”
The list of staircases includes those off Ashburton Road, Berken Road, Bushland Road, Colwyn Road, De Jager Road, Erne Road, Gatwick Close, Goodliffe Road, Goodliffe Road at the corner of Marine Drive, Hartlepool Road, Hathaway Road, Hedge Row, Hollesley Road, Leinster Road, Loudon Avenue, McTavish Road, Nicoll Road, Oakland Road, Parsons Road, Serowe Road, St Patricks Road, Tomich Drive, Top Road, Ulster Avenue, Wentworth Road and Wesley Road.
If there are any others not on the list, email the information to bluffservicedelivery@gmail.com or call 083-406-2525.
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