Notice served on container park operators

RESIDENTS living in Lantern Heath and in homes in Lincoln and Suffolk Roads are losing sleep at night because of a container park which has been operating in their street since March last year.

According to residents, no permission was granted for the Umbilo Container Park to operate and according to residents, Metro Police have confirmed that the park is operating without the necessary license and is under investigation.

“The park is next to an electrical power station, where there was an explosion a few years ago,” said resident, Imran Booth.

The residents said the loading of containers went on until late, and disturbed their sleep.

“It goes on until the early hours of the morning and a spotlight on the site shines right into my bedroom. There is also a loading machine with a bright light on top. When they drop the containers, there's a huge noise which wakes us all up,” said Sean Goldstone.

Linda Makokova said containers kept going into the park, when they should be leaving instead.

“When the containers are delivered, vehicles block the road. One resident has opened a case against a truck driver. We had a meeting with Metro Police last week as something needs to be done. We can't live like this,” said Dave Claassens.

Jabu Dlamini said she was sick of being woken up by the lights shining into her home and felt Metro Police needed to act on this problem.

Ward councillor Nicole Graham said the residents approached her office just before Christmas to complain about the park operating in their street.

“I reported the matter to a number of departments, including Health, Business Licensing, Land Use Management and Metro Police. The site was found to be zoned incorrectly for the current use, and a notice has been issued in that regard. Metro Police have also been requested to regularly visit the site to try and minimise the noise and light coming from there, especially at night,” she said.

Graham met with residents last week Thursday to discuss these issues.

“Captain Farrar and Senior Supt Subramany from Metro Police addressed the residents, and I will continue to monitor this progress and communicate with residents to ensure that by-laws are adhered to in this area,” said Graham.