RESIDENT of Elgie Road, Umbilo, recounted the sleepless nights she and others have had to endure in recent years. Once a peaceful and serene road, the area has become unbearable to live in. Others have had to relocate. The cause of displeasure emanates from students who are renting out accommodation in some of the houses on the street. The students go to the neighbouring UKZN.

“The problem started as far back as 2016, and it has escalated. We’ve seen a noticeable increase in illegal rental properties. These houses are designed to be family residences, however, students occupy them in excessive numbers, as high as 18 per dwelling. This has given rise to endless noisy partying extending to the street. Just recently, the students were rowdy in the street. I approached them, and they got verbally abusive and threatened me,” narrated Nikkie Moore, a resident in Elgie Street.

The residents once gathered and planned to submit a memorandum to the City officials, however, no one was available to receive it. In the memorandum, the concerned residents stated, “The population densification in Ward 33, which, in most cases, is unregulated and uncontrolled, has led to a precipitous decline in property values in this ward. Most of the densification is to accommodate students from UKZN, but there are also illegal businesses, illegal guesthouses and boarding houses.”

Also read: Things to consider when investing in a rental property for students

The memorandum also cited overloading water, sewage and electricity infrastructure leading to regular outages and infrastructure collapse; noise, crime and grime; parking problems; illegal water and electricity connections; decline in aesthetic appearance in the ward; flight of legitimate businesses from the ward.

Ward 33 councillor Fran Kristopher shared that, “Problem properties are a major concern within the ward as there are no strong contingency plans in place. Families are affected by the rowdiness and the goings and comings until early hours of the morning. Residential homes earmarked for a maximum of families of five to six are now duplicated with a maximum of 12 to 15, sometimes even 18 people, living in a standard three-bedroom property.

“I would also recommend the universities get involved as the safety and security of the students should also be a factor of concern as sleeping arrangements, toilet facilities and dining communes are not conducive to the standards set out. My appeal is for stronger enforcement from all stakeholders in consultation with residents.”

Also read: Move to regulate student accommodation in Durban

Normah Zondo, Executive Director of Corporate Relations at UKZN responded with, “The university is aware of the importance of a peaceful and harmonious co-existence between our student community and the residents in areas where our student residences are located. We have made sure to emphasise this point to our student population and have engaged with various community representatives and structures to ensure that we maintain good relationships with our neighbours.

“The residence mentioned in your enquiry is not leased by the university, and it is important to note that not all the residences in the area house UKZN students. Some of these residences are home to students from other public and private universities and colleges.

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