Save The Scottburgh Beachfront

Petition memorandum: SAVE THE SCOTTBURGH BEACHFRONT

TO: The Municipal Manager: Umdoni Municipality

We the undersigned do hereby petition the Umdoni Municipality to take constructive steps as defined below, to finally bring to an end the long existing problem of PUBLIC MISCONDUCT that takes place regularly at the Scottburgh Beachfront overnight. This misconduct includes lewd and offensive behaviour, playing of loud music, revving of engines and spinning of wheels and littering with glass, in particular. It is significant to note this behaviour is associated with high levels of alcohol consumption in public and the presence of motor vehicles.

The Municipality has made little effort to manage this public space effectively. The negative impact of this problem on residents and visitors in that vicinity is to make their lives uncomfortable and render the area a NO-GO-ZONE for law abiding citizens, AT NIGHT. This problem has been widely reported both inside and outside the Municipality and represents a serious threat to our tourism economy, the results being evident in monthly statistics reported within the Municipality. It has even prompted many visitors to state publicly that they will not return.

This problem has the potential to spill over into other beach precincts in Umdoni, and already there are signs of this taking place. Umdoni is gaining a reputation as a place where such things are tolerated and our image as the Jewel of the South Coast has been severely tarnished. The vacant shops in the pavilion building have exacerbated the problems and given the already disillusioned public further reason to go elsewhere. We want to see the dignity, safety and recreational value restored to this beach precinct, which continues to be the most used recreational site in the Municipality.

WE THEREFORE PETITION THE MUNICIPALITY TO :

1. MAKE THE AFFECTED AREA INTO A NO-CAR ZONE AT NIGHT.

2. DEPLOY FULL TIME PEACE OFFICERS TO MAINTAIN ORDERLY CONDUCT AND SECURE THE SAFETY OF BEACHFRONT USERS.

3. LEASE THE VACANT SHOPS IN THE PAVILION WITHIN 30 DAYS, WITH FULL TRANSPARENCY OF THE PROCESSES AND NEGOTIATIONS WITH BIDDERS.

It must be noted that these interventions have been discussed and agreed on in many forums which include the Municipal Council, the Scottburgh CPF and local civic bodies. All these stakeholders have supported these requests as an effective means of restoring the quality of life, the image, and the economic prospects of the Town.

THE ATTACHED PETITION LISTS LABELLED “SAVE THE SCOTTBURGH BEACHFRONT” ARE PRESENTED IN SUPPORT OF THE ABOVE.

Prepared and distributed by the Democratic Alliance, UGU North Constituency.

Contact: MPL Mark Steele, steelemark@vodamail.co.za, 082 774 6167.