THE neglected state of many servitudes on the Bluff are a major concern for residents.
Having been made aware of this, Bluff’s ward 66 councillor JP Prinsloo has engaged with the parks department’s special service division, which has said it was unaware of the existence of many such staircases and thoroughfares.
“The department did not have a comprehensive list of all the services/staircase that runs along the entire ward. Staircases were only being managed once a complaint was received. No maintenance contract was in place to address infrastructural issues.”
“Since the initial meeting, we requested that community members inform us of any staircases they are aware of in order to compile our own comrehensive list. The request for this information was done via Facebook and various other Whatsapp platforms and groups. The CPF and COP also assisted us with additional information,” said Prinsloo.
READ: Bluff staircases due for facelift
As a result, 70 staircases have been identified that run along the entire ward. All the staircases were plotted on a Google Earth map and were supplied to the parks department, roads and stormwater maintenance department (RSWM) and Durban Solid Waste, to actively improve the quality of the staircases in relation to litter, physical infrastructure and the maintenance of greenery.
“We have been actively been working together with all line departments to ensure these staircases are restored and made safe. A monthly meeting with five line departments – DSW, roads, Parks, SDB and Metro Police – has been scheduled to address service delivery concerns and particularly the staircase issues,” he added.
Residents are encouraged to download the Bluff service delivery APP (Active Citizen) informing the municipality and my office of any staircases that needs urgent attention. “Without the support of our community, we will not be able to ensure the standard and the quality of these staircases are improved,” said the councillor.
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