THE Durban Metro Police has said that the complaints over disruptive behaviour allegedly emanating from student residences across the City will be addressed.

This was said by Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Victor Zungu who was responding to an enquiry about concerns raised by Ashley, Pinetown, locals over the alleged increase in the number of student residences in the area and complaints over disruptive behaviours allegedly flowing from these accommodations.

Zungu said the Metro Police has noted that as students seek to be closer to their institutions of learning, accommodation for them has been on an increase around Durban.

“This has led to more complaints from the public, such as loud noise, drinking in public, fighting, urinating in public, and littering.

“For drinking in public and noise complaints, fines have been given to offenders. In some noise cases, Metro Police confiscated speakers and took them to the municipal pound after issuing a fine.

“Students must note that drinking in public and making excessive noise is against the law, as it disturbs the peace. Offenders may receive a fine or be arrested,” said Zungu.

He urged students who will not be leaving their accommodation over the Easter holiday, so that they can study, “to follow the law and city by-laws at all times”.

Also read: Locals concerned by increase in student residences

Meanwhile, the Ashley locals have complained that the increase in the number of student residences in the area could impact property value and have an effect on infrastructure and services.

Some of the residents also claimed that some of these student residences crop up without the public participation process being followed.

Impactful noise levels, public drinking and littering are some of the complaints residents raised.

The area’s neighbourhood watch has urged the eThekwini Municipality, and other relevant stakeholders, to conduct inspections at these student residences.

The eThekwini Municipality emphasised that not all student accommodation developments in that area have been approved and that where complaints arise, compliance is enforced.

The Berea Mail has reported about noisy student residences causing grief for neighbours in the Musgrave area, with some residents there petitioning the City to take action.

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