Campaign against public drinking gains momentum
This has created a negative ripple effect, increasing public nuisance (urinating in public), littering, crime hot spots, vandalism, degeneration of the city and infrastructure and public amenities that ratepayers can no longer enjoy
AN outcry against public drinking is gaining momentum as more than 300 people have added their signatures to a petition conducted by community member Sihle Magubane.
Spearheading the campaign as a community initiative, Magubane said public drinking is an ongoing challenge in the city and a quick drive around Richards Bay, Empangeni, and surrounding suburbs and townships, shows how public spaces have turned to no-go areas as they are now drinking hot spots and pose safety risks.
This has created a negative ripple effect, increasing public nuisance (urinating in public), littering, crime hot spots, vandalism, degeneration of the city and infrastructure and public amenities that ratepayers can no longer enjoy.
ALSO READ: City of uMhlathuze tackles public drinking
‘Presenting the signed petitions later this month, we will call on the uMhlathuze Municipality to enforce by-laws that will put an end to this.
‘We have received phenomenal support with the petition as members of the public have taken the time to submit their comments, suggestions and feedback,’ said Magubane.
‘People are really becoming concerned about public spaces, and gauging from the comments received so far, we need to act fast and take a motion to council to enforce the laws and take this matter seriously.
‘It has been disturbing to read some of the personal encounters members of the public have had owing to people drinking in public.
ALSO READ: Richards Bay CBD degradation must be tackled to encourage investment
‘About 89.5% of the people who completed the petition online, are ratepayers.
‘The city needs more manpower to enforce the by-laws and this is a crisis. It does not help to have by-laws if they cannot be enforced and monitored.
‘People have until the end of the month to have their say and we will submit the petitions to council on 30 October,’ said Magubane
To access the digital petition go to https://www.facebook.com/SiphesihleMagubanePage/
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
