Buffalo City Metro has come under fire for failing to start phase two of the Marina Glen upgrade project, despite allocating R10m and promising completion by the end of October.
The delay has angered residents, opposition councillors and business owners, who say the holdup has left East London’s beachfront unsafe and unsightly ahead of the festive season.
The Marina Glen development forms part of BCM’s broader beachfront plan to improve facilities, lighting, landscaping and parking to boost tourism and business activity.
Phase one was completed earlier in 2025, but by mid-October there was no visible progress on the next phase, prompting questions about project management and accountability.
BCM spokesperson Bongani Fuzile confirmed that phase two had not yet started but said work would begin on Wednesday.
“The slight delay in starting was due to necessary procurement and administrative processes to ensure compliance and quality assurance before the commencement of physical works,” Fuzile said.
He said the R10m budget had been approved and a formal order of works issued to the contractor, Capstone Projects.
“No expenditure has been recorded to date, as the contractor will officially assume site duties from the commencement date.
“These upgrades are designed to enhance the functionality, safety and overall visitor experience at Marina Glen,” he said.
Phase two will include new ablution facilities, braai areas, waste bins and electrification of the ablution blocks.
“The municipality is committed to delivering this project efficiently and with minimal disruption.
“All phase two works are expected to be completed by the end of November 2025, weather permitting,” Fuzile said.
Quigney ward councillor Funeka Wolose said a meeting was scheduled for Monday to finalise the rollout and construction should resume later in the week.
“I was told the project would resume this week. The braai women currently stationed at Little Mauritius are struggling without ablution facilities or clean water,” she said.
She said the women, who rely on selling braaied meat to visitors, are forced to relieve themselves in nearby bushes.
“The upgrades need to speed up because the Esplanade beachfront is being affected negatively. There’s a high influx of revellers consuming alcohol publicly and leaving the area in a mess,” Wolose said.
Quigney Ratepayers’ Association chair Satish Nair said the delay in completing the R70m beachfront development had worsened public drinking and littering.
“The concept has turned into more of a drinking joint than a family-friendly braai area.
“The John Bailey Road leading to high-value areas like Baysville and Bunkers Hill faces traffic jams and is littered with rubbish,” he said.
Nair described Little Mauritius as overcrowded and unsafe.
“In an area of about 2,000m², you find over 80 to 100 cars with multiple open flames. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.
“The lack of toilets and running water forces women and children to relieve themselves in the open,” he said.
Nair said residents could not understand why millions were being spent to replace “a beautiful family park” that once occupied the site.
DA councillor Sue Bentley criticised BCM for failing to meet timelines.
“We don’t know what the delay is. In June, the infrastructure portfolio committee was told that phase two would cost close to R40m, and we wonder where that amount will come from,” she said.
Bentley said the DA had questioned the project’s cost and lack of transparency.
“Council approved the upgrade without knowing the full scope or cost.
“We have also queried the need for another amphitheatre just 500 metres from the Baby Lee amphitheatre, which is underutilised and cost R3.1m,” she said.
She raised further concerns about phase one’s escalating expenses, including fines for not conducting an environmental impact assessment and downtime costs.
“If BCM’s spending and project management go true to form, there’s no doubt phase two costs will also escalate,” Bentley said.
“It’s also worrying that the provincial government has not contributed financially, despite premier Oscar Mabuyane’s commitment at the sod-turning in May 2024.”
She said the braai women who earned a living at Ebuhlanti had been hit hardest.
“Their livelihoods have been severely affected by the extended closure.
“With the festive season approaching, frustration is understandable, especially when they see no progress on site.”
Bentley said the stalled project had led to deforestation and an increase in vagrancy.
“The number of people dwelling in bushes has risen, creating safety concerns for joggers and tourists.
“The Ebuhlanti concept is not boosting the local economy, it’s creating chaos,” she said.
Despite BCM’s assurances, residents and opposition councillors remain sceptical about whether the municipality can deliver within the revised timeline as the city readies for the upcoming festive season.
Daily Dispatch
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