Correspondences Regarding The State of
Berea Sector 3's Sidewalks

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Hobson" <hobsonk@durban.gov.za>
To: "Berea3" <berea3@webmail.co.za>
Cc: "Thomas Govender" <GovenderThomas@durban.gov.za>;
      "Ravin Hurbuns" <HurbunsRR@durban.gov.za>
Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2010 8:32 AM
Subject: Re: Degradation of Sidewalks

Morning Alain

Apologies.  Reference in previous messages was being made to the section from Steven Dlamini to Peter Mokaba.

Besides an excavation by the AC watermains contractors at the intersection with Peter Mokaba this section appears to have been satisfactorily re-instated.

Attention will now be given to the section referred to in your message and Ravin Hurbuns will be in contact with you with a view to walking that section with you as suggested

Regards

KEN HOBSON
DEPUTY HEAD: ROADS AND STORMWATER MAINTENANCE
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY

+2731-311 7428 tel
+2731-311 7691 fax
+2783-310 9813 cell
hobsonk@durban.gov.za



----- Original Message -----
From: Berea3
To: Ken Hobson ; Thomas Govender
Cc: mike@demarcation.org.za
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 5:54 PM
Subject: Re: Degradation of Sidewalks

Dear Thomas

We must be talking about different Sydenham Rd Sidewalks.

The one I've been talking about is between Musgrave and Currie, North side... a route taken by Durban Girls College students during cross country practice in the early hours.

Unless it was fixed yesterday, this is how it looked on 06/06/2010.

It permanently stinks of human feces and urine and is always full of litter and is a haven for vagrants and criminals.

We have occurences of muggings on the Musgrave Rd bridge (over Sydenham) and I am certain that this is where criminals are feeling comfortable to hang out due to it's state of neglect and degradation.

I am very willing to take a walk along it with you.

Kindest regards
Alain Latham
Chairman Berea CPF, Sector 3
www.berea3.co.za

----- Original Message -----
From: "Thomas Govender" <govenderthomas@durban.gov.za>
To: "Ken Hobson" <HobsonK@durban.gov.za>; "Berea3 CPF" <berea3@webmail.co.za> Cc: <mike@demarcation.org.za>
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 3:24 PM
Subject: Re: Degradation of Sidewalks
Dear Mr Laitham,

Please note that concrete sidewalk repairs along Sydenham have been completed some weeks ago. The replacement of the old post and beam type guardrail at the intersection of Currie and Marriot Rds has however been delayed due to the volume of work that was being undertaken along our Freeways in preparation for the World Cup. The replacement of the guardrail has been scheduled for Thursday.

Yours Faithfully

Thomas Govender
Senior Manager : Roads & Stormwater
City Engineers' Unit
Ethekwini Municipality
Tel: 031 311 7504 / 083 448 7795
Fax : 031 311 7691
e-mail : govenderthomas@durban.gov.za


----- Original Message -----
From: Berea3 CPF
To: Ken Hobson ; Thomas Govender
Cc: mike@demarcation.org.za
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 3:40 PM
Subject: Degradation of Sidewalks

Gentlemen,

I am sorry to report that anticipated repairs did not begin "within the next six weeks or so" (from 4th March 2010) which would have been by Monday 19th April 2010.   For the latest on the state of our neighbourhood, please click here.

Kindest regards
Alain Latham
Chairman Berea CPF, Sector 3
www.berea3.co.za

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Hobson" <hobsonk@durban.gov.za>
To: <berea3@webmail.co.za>
Cc: "Thomas Govender" <GovenderThomas@durban.gov.za>
Sent: Friday, March 05, 2010 8:28 AM
Subject: Re: Degradation of Sidewalks

Morning Alain

Please see Thomas Govender's message on this matter below.  The annual contract for sidewalk repairs has been awarded and work will commence shortly

Regards

KEN HOBSON
DEPUTY HEAD: ROADS AND STORMWATER MAINTENANCE
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY

+2731-311 7428 tel
+2731-311 7691 fax
+2783-310 9813 cell
hobsonk@durban.gov.za

To see the disclaimer for this mail http://www.durban.gov.za/emaildisclaimer.htm


Thomas Govender 2010/03/04 01:11 PM

Hi Ken,

Apologies for the delay in finalising this matter.

1. We have inspected the sidewalks along Sydenham Rd and have identified about 350 sq.m that needs repairs. We are currently awaiting the start of our annual contract for surface repairs to initiate this work as well as the conclusion of the water pipe replacement works in the area. - Action Trevor

2. The disused posts of the old "post and rail" type guardrail at the intersection of Currie/Marriot Rds will be replaced within the next six weeks or so as soon as our annual guardrail contractor commences.- Action Derek

Regards
Thomas

Please read this confidentiality disclaimer:
http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/e_colophon/edisclaimer


Ken Hobson 2010/03/01 03:52 PM

Hi Thomas

Please advise of intentions so that I can respond

Thanks
Ken


Please read this confidentiality disclaimer:
http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/e_colophon/edisclaimer


"Berea3 CPF" <berea3@webmail.co.za
2010/03/01 03:39 PM

Dear Ken

I regret to inform that nothing has been done about the state of the Sydenham Rd sidewalk (between Musgrave and Currie).

I took a jog along it on Friday 26th Feb and it is still in a desperate state of neglect... human feces, rotting bags of food,
litter and general filth.

I have also not heard a word from Mr Thomas Govender regarding this and the guard rail issue... a simple email confirming
that the matter is in hand would suffice.

Who can I contact regarding street cleaning as the cleaner responsible for Sydenham sidewalk is clearly shirking his
duties.

Kindest regards

Alain Latham
Chairman
Berea CPF, Sector 3
www.berea3.co.za


----- Original Message -----
From: Berea3 CPF
To: Ken Hobson
Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 11:29 AM
Subject: Re: degradation of our sidewalks

Dear Ken

Thanks for the encouraging news.  Please read the emails (click here) regarding the Currie Rd hand rail, especially Mr Thomas Govenders replies in September 2009... but still nothing happened.

Is it because there is confusion between whether or not it is a "hand rail" (mild steel piping) or "guard rail" (old tram lines)? The "hand rail" section is to stop people falling onto the pavement below after getting out of their parked car.  It only becomes a "guard rail" close to the intersections where there is a high risk of motor accidents (cars ploughing into pedestrians).

I am of the belief that the latter falls under the jurisdiction of the Roads Department where the "hand rail" part falls under the jurisdiction of the Engineers Department.  Am I correct in this assumption?

It is very possible that Currie Rd between Sydenham and Springfield is about to be dug up to lay new water pipes. If this is the case then it would make sense to delay sidewalk restoration until after this event.

Please go back onto the site www.berea3.co.za.  You will see a far more favorable headline   Once again, thanks for the prompt and positive reply.  Our members (residents) are delighted.

Kindest regards
Alain Latham
Chairman
Berea CPF, Sector 3
083-7766765


----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Hobson" <hobsonk@durban.gov.za>
To: <berea3@webmail.co.za>
Cc: "Thomas Govender" <GovenderThomas@durban.gov.za>
Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 3:45 PM

Subject: Re: degradation of our sidewalks

Afternoon Alain

Apologies for the manner in which this matter has been handled.  Arrangements are
being made for repairs to be effected and the Manager of the region concerned, Mr Thomas Govender, will keep you apprised of developments.

Regards

KEN HOBSON
DEPUTY HEAD: ROADS AND STORMWATER MAINTENANCE
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY

+2731-311 7428 tel
+2731-311 7691 fax
+2783-310 9813 cell
hobsonk@durban.gov.za

To see the disclaimer for this mail please visit http://www.durban.gov.za/emaildisclaimer.htm


----- Original Message -----
From: berea3@webmail.co.za
To: eservices@dmws.durban.gov.za
Cc: hobsonk@durban.gov.za
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 10:02 PM
Subject: degradation of our sidewalks

Good day to you.

I am Alain Latham, Chairman of the Berea Sector 3 Community Policing Forum.  On Monday, August 24, 2009 at 8:29 PM, you were emailed by us regarding the state of our sidewalks.  We received your automated response 3 minutes later and then, not another word from your department.

It is now over 5 months later and I wish to, once again, bring to your attention the atrocious state of our sidewalks- in particular, the pedestrian walkway that runs on either side of Sydenham Rd, a haven for criminals who feel "at home" surrounded by the filth and squallor resulting from your departments disregard and neglect.

Please click on the block of pictures below to see close-ups and explanations.

We keep all correspondences on our website www.berea3.co.za and the media and public at large is waiting with baited breath for your response.

Kindest regards

Alain Latham
Chairman Berea CPF, Sector 3
083-7766765
www.berea3.co.za

----- Original Message -----
From: "Eservices Eservices" <services@dmws.durban.gov.za>
To: "Berea3 CPF" <berea3@webmail.co.za>
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2009 8:32 PM
Subject: Re: Damaged sidewalks

Your Communication with the eThekwini Engineering Services Contact Center has been received. Your matter is being attended to.
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----- Original Message -----
From: Art Junction
To: eservices@dmws.durban.gov.za
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2009 8:29 PM
Subject: Damaged sidewalks
Dear Sir

We, of the Berea Policing Forum Sector 3, are of the view that the link between maintaining civil order and preventing crime is similar to the process whereby
"one broken window becomes many".

It's a known fact that serious crime flourishes in areas in which disorderly behaviour and urban degradation go unchecked.   It is for this reason that I am bringing to your attention the question of damaged sidewalks, a point that was brought up by one of out members at our last meeting.

I have attached some pictures showing areas of Currie Rd where this is openly visible.    Please can you reply telling us what your departments position and policy is on this matter as it is just one more "broken window" that is making our task as CPF just that little more difficult.

Kind Regards
Alain Latham
Vice-chairman
T 083-7766765
W www.berea3.co.za