THE Umbilo and Congella precinct, known for its around-the-clock bustling business activities, is faced with a mammoth challenge of emerging illegal panel beaters and mechanics, who are increasingly taking over the streets.

According to the Umbilo Business Association (UBA), the mechanic operations are booming in the area, creating traffic mayhem.
“The illegal panel beaters were proven not to have operating licences nor require safety permits. Some of them operate within hijacked buildings. Most importantly they operate on or along the streets or pavements, creating an unsafe environment for road users,” said Zak Vahed, UBA executive member and business owner in the area.

Also read: City threatens to shut down illegal panel beaters

He said the mechanics pose a danger to customers and business owners in the precinct, as the occupied streets are forever buzzing with welding sparks. He added that car thinners and other waste are disposed of in stormwater drains daily, creating blockages. In addition, visible oil grime, and glass pieces result in spikes and tyre punctures of other passing vehicles.

“These occupied streets were meant to be two-way streets, however due to the illegal occupation, only one lane operates in each street, creating a traffic mayhem.

“As UBA, we lean on our core values, of creating a safe space for business owners and surrounding communities. By so doing, we aim to bring opportunities for employment within the proper legal framework. For close to 20 years, UBA has stood on the ideal of Ubuntu principles, therefore we support businesses in the area,” concluded Vahed.

Ward 33 councillor Fran Kristopher admitted that the issue of illegal panel beaters had been on the table.

“With regards to the panel beaters, I have been made aware by a few residents and the CPF. I highlighted this with the Operation Good Hope programme. However, this requires its own operation as law enforcement together with Business Support and Building Inspectorates needs to be involved for a planned focus to stop these illegal operations,” she said.

EThekwini spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, mentioned that the Metro Police had pounced on illegal roadside mechanics in some parts of the city, resulting in arrests of illegal foreigners.

“As part of maintaining law and order, Metro Police will intensify by-law enforcement operations and multi-disciplinary roadblocks throughout the City, including in areas such as Umbilo. The municipality’s law enforcement wing has been closely monitoring the proliferation of illegal mechanics operating in the city. The Cleansing and Solid Waste team are also part of these operations, and they provide high-pressure wash cleaning services to remove oil and grime on the road,” Sisilana said.

“Metro Police attended the UBA meeting last week, where the ward councillor and Umbilo SAPS were also present. Metro Police will be implementing a multi-disciplinary operation through the Area Management Unit and the inner-city by-law enforcement team. Metro Police is also carrying out joint operations with SAPS.”

Affected streets include Alan Paton, Magwaza Maphalala, Calais, Badgers, Canada, Banshee, and Melbourne.

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