Bad buildings problem dominates Morningside community meeting
Morningside residents meet officials to tackle bad buildings, noise disturbances, reckless driving and safety concerns in Ward 27.
THE residents and business people in Morningside gathered over the weekend to discuss issues facing Ward 27. They met with representatives from SAPS, Durban Metro Police, eThekwini Transport Authority, Water and Sanitation, and Parks and Recreation.
Bad buildings in the area account for more than 10 properties, where the owners are either deceased or are evading responsibility. It was indicated that the matter of each building was attended to, via planned inspection, tracing owners, sale, clean-up or legal action.
These buildings are mostly found on Imerson Road, Percy Osborne Road, Problem Mkhize Road, Madeline Road, Ninth Avenue, Woodford Grove, Ford Grove, Stephen Dlamini Road, Mentone Road, and Gladys Mazibuko Road.
Other matters raised by residents were “troubling noise” on Juniper Road, which houses a students’ residence, as well as on Miller Road.
Loud racing on Valley View Avenue, Earl Haig Road, and Florida Road was also cited as a concern. “The offenders must be traced and arrested,” said one resident. The homeless matter was highlighted, especially on Third Avenue and Montpelier Road, where people are seen bathing and hanging their clothes.
Also read: Decaying Essenwood property an eyesore for neighbours
The ETA representative heard of the calls for installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Valley View Avenue and Rosebank, and traffic calming measures to be considered for Currie Road, as well as speed humps on Essenwood Road. “We request the construction of islands on John Zikhali Road, Currie Road, and Sandile Thusi Road, as the painted ones are ignored,” pleaded another resident.
Ward 27 councillor Ernest Smith shared, “The engagement from the meeting was quite constructive as residents had the chance to engage with issues affecting the community, especially the Trematon Road issue. Other issues raised were the protection of municipal infrastructure and the enforcement of the by-laws in the ward as a whole. I would like to thank those members of the public who attended while contributing effectively to the discussion,” he said.
He concluded that he will also look at meeting with the community of Puntans Hill in January or February to address issues in the suburb, while inviting metro police/SAPS Mayville to note and address their concerns.
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