The Beach Hut Trust is calling on the community to get involved in restoring the Muizenberg beach huts.
Muizenberg's iconic beach huts are facing an ongoing wave of petty vandalism, says the Beach Hut Trust, which is leading efforts to restore them and is appealing to the community for support.
"From breaking off the wood on the older huts to breaking and removing the Nutec boards, using the huts as toilets when public facilities are readily available, and even breaking the window slats, the damage has been extensive,” said Angela Gorman, the trust’s chairwoman. "And when they couldn't gain access through the doors, they resorted to breaking the floorboards underneath the huts."
To discourage further acts of vandalism, the doors of the huts have been taken off, making the interiors visible from the outside, and security guards are patrolling in the vicinity.
Ms Gorman is also appealing to community leaders to teach the youth to respect and enjoy the huts.
“By engaging the community, we hope to instil a sense of ownership and pride in the beach huts,” she said.
Members of the trust recently spent two days working on the huts, replacing damaged Nutec boards, filling holes, and repairing any other areas of damage.
Ms Gorman said the trust was seeking support from companies that were willing to contribute treated timber, nuts and bolts, paint, sealers and Malthoid (a waterproofing membrane).
“These contributions would significantly reduce the refurbishment costs of the huts, transforming it into a positive community project,” Ms Gorman said.
They are also looking for experienced carpenters and dedicated security.
Mayoral committee member for community services and health Patricia van der Ross said the theft and vandalism of public facilities attracted anti-social behaviour and left communities with few alternatives.
“Community involvement has been shown as one of the topmost contributors to protecting recreational facilities from vandalism, as behaviour changes when they are perceived to be valuable community assets,” she said.
With 15 huts still needing refurbishment, Ms Gorman, encouraged the public to help preserve and protect them.
"We are determined to refurbish the remaining 15 huts, ensuring their presence on Muizenberg's beaches for future generations."
Email Angela Gorman at angela@beachhuts.org.za for more information.