Fisherman’s Lane upgrade

Strandfontein’s notorious Broken Road has been fixed, revamped and unveiled as Fisherman’s Lane.

The “terrible, ugly, inhumane public braai space” has been fixed, said coastal activist Keith Blake.

He said his favourite fishing spot was dubbed “Broken Road”, because of its former state, on Fisherman’s Lane in Strandfontein (“Broken Road fixed”, Plainsman August 16).

Mr Blake, who could not attend the launch last Tuesday October 31, told the Plainsman, from his hospital bed, yesterday that his fight to fix the road started in 2016.

Now, seven years later the space has been revamped; sporting 25 braai areas, a boardwalk, toilets and lights.

“Everything in that place is what we as the Cape Flats fought for, for a decent upgrade and beautiful beach,” he said.

Mr Blake said fisherfolk and beach users should report vandalism immediately.

Deputy mayor and spatial planning and environment mayoral committee member Eddie Andrews pleaded with fisherfolk and beach users to take ownership of the space and to respond to issues as they arise.

He said that cables were stolen daily in the area and that solar powered lights kept the pavilion and its neighbouring spaces well lit. “The road was indeed broken and we recognise that we’ve not invested significantly in repairs and maintenance of this road,” he said.

Mr Andrews said that they had come a long way and that signage showing before photographs should be put up.

He said it was important that the significance of this part of the coast is recognised for the “Strandfonteinians” for everyone living in Mitchell’s Plain and Muizenberg; and those from Lotus River.

“It holds significant memories for everyone who comes here and it is important for all of those who use the space and enhance their experience,” he said.

Mr Andrews also acknowledged councillor for Ward 78 Danny Christians and coastal activist, in his absence.

He said that the municipality has invested “significantly” in the False Bay coastline, which stretches from Seaforth until Strand, Gordon’ Bay.

Councillor Patricia van der Ross, mayoral committee member for community services and health, formerly from Lotus River, said that it was a collaborative effort of various departments and that it was just the start.

“This is just the first phase, next up is the pavilion and it just shows what team Cape Town can do,” she said.

City of Cape Town manager for coastal, environmental management, spatial planning and environment Gregg Oelofse, said at first looking at the broken road, he felt a sense of shame.

There was a collapsed sea wall, leaking sewer pipe and the coast was inaccessible.

“We wanted to make something nice. A place for people to come and enjoy the coastline.

“We were able to reclaim nearly a kilometre of the coastline, where families and children can be playing over the sand dunes; and make fresh memories,” he said.

Elton Jansen, Sub-council 17 chairman and councillor for Ward 43, said: “Strandfontein pavilion does not just belong to Strandfontein’s people. It belongs to the entire City of Cape Town. I want to thank our residents of Cape Town for looking after this facility, the environment and the pavilion. This facility is for all of us,” he said.