Residents demand student accommodation freeze in Durban
Residents say the rapid growth of student accommodation is placing mounting pressure on municipal infrastructure and their quality of life.
A PETITION has been launched calling on the eThekwini Municipality to place an immediate moratorium on the approval of new student accommodation, particularly in heavily affected Ward 33 and Ward 101.
The petition was launched following a community meeting on Thursday where residents raised concerns about the impact that the mushrooming of student accommodation is having on their communities, particularly in terms of service delivery and quality of life.
“We cannot sleep peacefully in our homes anymore,” said a concerned resident. “I am forced to visit friends or family at weekends because the noise becomes too much. It’s all hours of the day. I pay for my home to sleep peacefully in it, yet that is no longer possible because of a student res nearby.”
The resident was among a group of disgruntled residents who also raised concerns about the impact of the increasing population in Glenwood, Umbilo, Carrington Heights, Glenmore, Manor Gardens and Westridge on municipal infrastructure.
Also Read: Ray of hope for student accommodation property problems
“We did not have this many sewage leaks as we are having now. The roads are congested and littered because Ward 33 has become overcrowded. The municipal infrastructure is burdened by the load.”
According to a petition started by Niki Moore on Change.org four days ago, more than 700 people have signed the petition.
Moore said, “We believe that no further student accommodation should be approved until the Municipality has assessed the need, impact and capacity of these residential areas and addressed existing non-compliance.”
The petition calls on the City to investigate all existing student accommodation in areas within Ward 33 and Ward 101, to ensure compliance with zoning, building, health and safety requirements.
Also Read: Bad buildings problem dominates Morningside community meeting
“Take appropriate enforcement action, including closure where legally justified, against non-compliant student accommodation establishments,” added Moore.
The petition is available on Change.org for residents who wish to read more or add their names.
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
