Pamela van der Merwe, Fish Hoek
Once again it is with great concern and irritation that I contact you.
I understand there is still only one water truck working. What is the reason for this?
If we are not writing to the newspaper to complain about the utterly disgusting state of Fish Hoek main road, nothing is done.
Having written to the Echo (“Fish Hoek Main Road is a mess,” Echo November 10), the water truck appeared for two days in a row, did half a job and left.
Today, Tuesday November 8, as I write this email, the truck has again not been through.
The urine on the pavements between the M&L Supermarket ramp and Papa Jo's is once again eye-smartingly present.
Why must this state of affairs be good enough for our main road?
If the council cannot get it sorted, why can't the business owners be instructed to clean the pavements with water and disinfectant or face fines?
• Mayoral committee member for urban waste management Grant Twigg responds: We understand the frustrations, however, urban waste management is not able to spray pavements occupied by people living on the street due to complaints about human-rights violations.
The street people unit continues to render regular reintegration services to people living on the street in Fish Hoek.
Recognising the problematic state of the area, urban waste management is exploring further interventions in the area including the following:
1. We will intensify a deep-cleaning intervention, which will involve scrubbing all walkways manually, applying chemicals and the use of water tankers, etc.
2. We will trial clean pavements using a knapsack spray.
3. We will engage Law Enforcement to request assistance in managing the challenge around homeless populations.
The City thanks the writer for their concern, and would like to assure the community that we are exploring all available possibilities to improve the state of the area, especially before the holiday season.