It was welcome news when the much-needed refurbishments at Marina Glen started in June 2024. Finally, East London’s go-to place, commonly known as Ebuhlanti, was getting the facelift it deserved.
However, all hope and expectations have been gradually dashed as the project stumbles from one problem to another.
Barely a few weeks into the construction, work came to an abrupt halt due to Buffalo City Metro’s transgressions with the environmental impact assessment.
Once the certificate debacle was resolved, many of us thought work would be speedily completed. We were wrong. It’s over a year and the project is still incomplete.
Irked by the delays, “braai masters” forcefully entered the project site on Friday to continue with their business.
They are complaining that the alternative nearby braai spot, Little Mauritius, is unsuitable due to limited space and this discourages patrons.
The delay is seriously affecting tourism and the livelihoods of braai masters
BCM forced them out on Saturday with a clear warning that anyone occupying the area unlawfully will face criminal charges.
True, an active construction site poses risks to braaiing women and their customers. We also do not condone lawlessness.
However, their invasion says a lot about the failures of those in authority at BCM.
Clearly, there is a breakdown in communication between stakeholders, a point that some councillors attest to.
If braai women were kept informed on when the project would be finished, an invasion would likely not have happened.
It seems Ebuhlanti is following a well-known script on BCM projects — missed deadlines, ballooning costs and secrecy.
For months, BCM promoted Ebuhlanti as a R4m project until it was later revealed that the first phase had, in fact, cost nearly R18m. Claims are that the full project will come at a R70m price tag.
We have seen similar trends with the Leighandre Jegels Recreational Park (better known as The Stoep), the contentious Mdantsane swimming pool and the Water World Fun Park.
All of them have been characterised by rising costs and delays, a clear sign that there is no proper project management.
Water World has been extensively vandalised and Ebuhlanti risks the same fate.
Indications are that no construction is happening at present and a councillor says there is also no security on site.
No-one seems to give a clear answer on when the facility will be reopened, despite municipal officials previously indicating that phase one would be enough to allow partial operation.
Speculation is that the metro has run out of funds for the project.
It is our hope that instead of BCM issuing threats, it will stick to itspromises and let stakeholders know when Ebuhlanti will be reopened.
The delay is seriously affecting tourism and the livelihoods of braai masters. For some braaiing for patrons is their only source of income.
Daily Dispatch
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