Community fed up with drunken revelers on doorstep

THE residents of Wadley Road in Glenwood are at their wits’ end with the total disregard for by-laws and common decency at the intersection of Wadley and Umbilo Roads.

According to a resident, Charmain Domingo, their gripe is mainly due to drunken revelers visiting a bottle store as early as 8am any day of the week. “They drink in front of the mosque and book store and urinate against the bookstore’s wall to the extent that we can smell it three doors away when the wind blows in our direction. These people play extremely loud music from their cars and even rev their engines loudly and even have braais on the pavement, eventually ending up with swearing and fist fights,” explained the upset resident.

Domingo said numerous calls to the Umbilo SAPS and Metro Police have been in vain as the revelers continue even when police come past. “Once the authorities leave it’s back to normal, just louder. Our properties are losing value by the day and some of us have even tried selling, but the agents are telling as we are a ‘no-go’ area. If things don’t change, this is going to become a gang and prostitute-infested area,” she said.

Glenwood ward councillor, Cllr Nicole Graham, said: “I have repeatedly referred this matter to both Metro Police and SAPS, as well as to the CPF for further attention by SAPS. Previously there was drinking at the back of the bottle store and this was ended by Business Licensing at my request, but the matter is now one for law enforcement.”

Meanwhile, EThekwini head of communications, Tozi Mthethwa, said, “EThekwini Municipality was not aware of the matter. Metro Police conducts daily by-law enforcement operations in all areas in the city. This includes the enforcement of the nuisance and behaviour in public places by-laws.

“During recent enforcements we have noted that the most violated by-law is drinking in public. Law enforcement agencies will continue to monitor and combat the scourge. EThekwini Municipality calls on all its residents and visitors to familiarise themselves with the by-laws, which are available on the municipal website, www.durban.gov.za, and obey the law at all times. The process of community engagement is ongoing and we aim to incrementally change public behaviour as awareness is raised,” Mthethwa added.