Attempted land invasion halted in Motala Heights
The public is advised to report any possible land invasion to the eThekwini Municipality Security Management Unit.
FOLLOWING threats of illegal land invasion in Motala Heights, DA PR councillor Marlaine Nair has advised residents to fence their properties, remain vigilant and contact SAPS should they witness any suspicious activities.
Nair said an emergency community meeting was held after noticing a group of people arriving in the area. They mapped the land and erected their first building.
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After liaising with the Environmental Management Department, Nair was informed that the land invaders tried to occupy the land which extends over three different lots, two of which are privately owned.
“The third lot which belongs to the Human Settlements Department of eThekwini Municipality already has an informal settlement on it known as the lot 49 settlement. A small portion of the land falls within the DMOSS (Durban Metropolitan Open Space system), which has indigenous fauna and flora,” explained Nair.
She said she was advised that a meeting will be held with the Human Settlements Department to ascertain what their plans are for their land and the Land Invasion Unit has also been made aware of the situation.
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“I have personally liaised with SAPS and Metro police to keep an eye on this matter as even though they were stopped erecting structures in the area they might return,” she said.
Nair mentioned that many people make their way from outlying areas in search of work and set up homes in any open spaces.
“I truly hope decentralisation of economic development can minimise these illegal land invasions.”
She added that natural fauna and flora which plays such a vital role in climate change must be preserved.
“Sadly land invasion across the city has been shrinking our DMOSS at an alarming rate because the city’s law enforcement units are not adequately resourced to deal with the crisis,” said Nair.
She reminded land owners that it was their responsibility to fence and protect their property from land invaders.
“The resources of the Land Invasion Unit are utilised first toward tackling land invasion on the city’s land and thereafter if they are able to help private land owners.”
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With the financial crisis, Nair pointed out that there are many residents who cannot afford to fence their properties.
“If anyone would like to donate fencing to Motala Heights residents, they can contact me on 072 692 8963.”
How to report land invasion
eThekwini Municipality spokesman, Msawakhe Mayisela encouraged the community to report any possible land invasion to the Security Management Unit on 031 311 4699, 031 311 4701, 031 311 4667 and 031 311 4702 to report land invasion and 079 821 8879 in an event that the other numbers are busy.
“The relevant City Unit demolishes unoccupied structures on a regular basis, in areas where illegal invasions are reported.
“Some of the structures demolished are built on privately owned land and in terms of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (Act 19 of 1998) the onus is on the owner of the land to protect his/her land by obtaining a court order.”
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
