Mushrooming container spazas raise concerns
"It seems as if it has become a free-for-all. Anyone can do whatever he or she likes, wherever he or she chooses."
Residents have raised concerns at the increasing number of metal freight containers being placed on residential properties from which informal businesses such as spaza shops are being conducted.
This is especially apparent in the eastern residential area of town.
Concerns include the issuing and regulation of formal trading licences or permits, compliance with health and sanitary regulations and adherance to zoning regulations.
“I am not at all opposed to anyone trying to make an honest living by conducting a business enterprise, but it seems as if it has become a free-for-all. Anyone can do whatever he or she likes, wherever he or she chooses and have no regard for regulations, by-laws or environmental health issues,” said a resident.
An enquiry in this regard was sent to the Msukaligwa Local Municipality in order to obtain clarity on the compliance issues relating to the placing of the containers and establishment of businesses.
The relevant department, through the municipal spokesperson mr mandla Zwane replied as follows:
“The Municipal Department of Public Safety is responsible for the issuing of Business Permits provided that the subject property is correctly zoned for business. Moreover, permission to erect or place any temporary structure on private property has to be obtained from Building Control and depending on the nature of the intended use, such structures must comply with prescribed structural, health and safety standards.”
It was however not stated how or if the stipulated compliance requirements were inspected or regulated by the relevant municipal department.
