THE relocation of Dalton Hostel dwellers to a building on 3A Eaton Road, Glenwood, has brought anguish to residents, stealing the peace they once knew. The dwellers’ relocation followed the eThekwini Municipality’s refurbishment of the hostel.

One resident of Eaton Road, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of intimidation, sees it all.
“Loud music seven days a week. So loud throughout the night until the early hours of the morning. Cars are parked on the roadside with doors open, with music blasting, people dancing and shouting, screaming on the road. They cook and sell food on the pavement, selling alcohol and drugs to school children, clothes hanging around the building,” the resident alleged.

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Another concerned resident added that she has witnessed a “major problem in the neighbourhood”, and despite endless calls to law enforcement, the problem remained a thorn in their side.

“The non-paying tenants are infringing on our rights as ratepayers; the issue is becoming unbearable for residents and business owners. The Metro police have come to warn them for the umpteenth time; however, the unruly behaviour resumes.”

Umbilo Business Association (UBA) highlighted that they were surprised by the City’s plan for renovation; however, the unbecoming behaviour by the dwellers has affected business operations in the area.

UBA spokesperson Tash Wells said, “When the relocation took place, many local businesses raised their concerns about this move. The UBA has jumped into action. We held several meetings to try to get a timeline and calm some of the concerns of the local businesses.

“The project management team met with us and shed some light on the way forward. The residents were moved into a warehouse until the completion of the refurbishment. While we wholeheartedly understand this is only temporary, this has still been an area of strain, as some of our UBA members have complained about noise levels, cleanliness and the conduct.

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“The businesses have expressed concern as this has had a negative impact, as some of their customers do not want to come. We understand that this is only temporary, but businesses still need to operate at their best, and we need to find a way for all involved to function respectfully,” Wells added.

She concluded that they remained hopeful that the refurbishment would bring about positive change for all involved and that the completion of this project would restore balance to the community.

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Gugu Sisilana, spokesperson for eThekwini Municipality, confirmed the placement of the dwellers and that the renovation project at Dalton Hostel began in March and is expected to be completed by October 15.

“The displaced dwellers have been temporarily relocated to 455 Sydney Road, 3A Eaton Road, and 110 Magwaza Maphalala Street. This includes both legal and illegal tenants from Blocks B and D, with a total of 636 individuals accommodated,” Sisilana added.

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