Residents object to proposals

Mr Mike Spadino, the chairperson of the association, said he is tired of people moving in and abusing the rights of other residents who want, and deserve, an acceptable standard of living.

“There was recently a proposal to open a car wash and buy-and-braai facility in Malvern. We do not need this. We need proper companies to continue investing in the suburb, action against bylaw contraventions and more residents who can make a positive contribution to Malvern,” he said.

Malvern is already home to several illegal car wash businesses, braai facilities and similar pavement establishments, such as hair salons.

“There are numerous businesses of this kind in Malvern. Businesses such as the proposed car wash and braai facility will not contribute anything positive to the suburb if it is approved. If it is allowed, it will be next to a school and church. Imagine the noise and other problems this facility will attract,” he said.

He urged people to stand together and demand proper service delivery and action to be taken against those who contravene the bylaws and impact negatively on the suburb.

“If we do not stop the rot now, what will Malvern be like in a few years? If people are seeking approval for businesses such as the car wash, what will other people want to propose? I have been living in the suburb since 1968. It has changed dramatically. It is great that there is a mix of people. There are people who are trying to live decently and trying to take care of their children. We have to put a stop to the problems. Malvern is marred by overcrowding, illegal hawking and dumping, building hijackers and illegal building. I urge residents not to be apathetic,” he said.

He said if problems such as overcrowding and the hijacking of buildings continue, the suburb’s infrastructure may collapse. Mr Spadino said the suburb was not built taking into consideration the influx of people it has today. “That is why we have problems like sewers being blocked, pressure on the electricity infrastructure, water pipes bursting and people working and living in squalor in some instances. We have to put a stop to this,” he said.

Residents have until the end of August to comment on a proposed car wash and buy-and-braai facility for Malvern.

This facility is proposed for a property at the corner of King and Persimmon streets.

Comments should be submitted to Mr Percy Smith. Send a fax to 011 339-4000 or call him on 011 407-6395.

For further information on the details to be included in the submission, contact Mr Spadino on 083 319 3875 after 5pm.

Mr Shaun O’ Shea, from Region F, previously stated that Malvern is one of several suburbs in ward 118 which requires upscale interventions to address bylaw contraventions.

He said multi-disciplinary law enforcement operations are conducted continuously.

Contraventions attended to included hawking, the operation of illegal spaza shops and illegal structures built in backyards.