Kingfisher Creek Wetland Park remains in ruins
Residents are by with scattered litter and beer bottles as well as a swamp of sewage upon entering the gates of the once prized wetland.
WHAT was once a natural gem on the Bluff has become a sore sight with a stench for anyone who enters the gates of Kingfisher Creek Wetland Park.
One is met by scattered litter and beer bottles as well as a swamp of sewage upon entering the gates of the once prized wetland. The lake which was situated in the heart of the park has been infiltrated with sewage due to a faulty sewer pipe system on the premises. During recent years, it has been filling up with polluted sediments and sewage brought in by the inflow of the faulty system. The state of the park has posed a threat to natural fauna and flora and has also become a dwelling place for vagrants.
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Concerned Bluff resident and chairperson for the Bluff Ratepayers Association, Ivor Aylward, explained the state of Kingfisher Creek Wetland as an ongoing disaster due to the neglect of the eThekwini Municipality. “The municipality has not applied themselves to the park, which is within their jurisdiction. It should not be in such a state. If the department of parks worked to clean it and address the sewage pipes problem, we would not have such a disaster on our hands. I’ve even asked to adopt this area in order to maintain it, however, I have had no reply from representatives with the municipality.
“If the public is willing to take action in fixing up the facilities in their town, then why are they not being allowed to do so?” he questioned in a plea to reverse the current neglect of the area.
Ward 66 cllr JP Prinsloo responded by confirming that several workshops and engagements have been conducted with various municipal departments responsible for the maintenance and upgrades of King Fisher Creek, since February 2019.
“During these engagements maintenance, infrastructure upgrades and security issues were discussed and an action plan was devised to ensure that this long-neglected wetland is to be upgraded and uplifted. This process is being driven by the South Durban Basin Area Based Management, my office and the ward 66 ward committee. The action plan will take effect during the 2019/2020 financial year which starts on the 1st of July 2019.
“It must be noted that to date Aylward has not made any effort to arrange a meeting with me nor has he invited me to any meeting of his committee. I remain committed to doing all that I can to improve the Bluff and in so doing working with all groups who have a progressive vision. Myself and any councillor will be constrained by the resources available and one does not have to look far to see that South Africa from national to the local level is struggling severely. Nonetheless, we are moving forward and are working hard on the Bluff,” explained Prinsloo.
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