SOME residents of Cliffdale Road in Assagay have expressed concerns about a proposed heavy-duty truck and mining equipment depot allegedly being built in the neighbouring area.

According to the residents, the area is currently zoned residential and in previous years they said they had expressed similar concerns.

The residents said their concerns are:

* Noise Pollution: Increased truck traffic and depot operations will disrupt the peaceful environment.

* Safety: Heavy trucks pose risks to pedestrians, especially children and horse riders.

* Environmental Impact: Potential pollution and dust from trucks may affect nearby nurseries and stables. “Vehicles are being repaired on unpaved surfaces, contaminating ground water; Umhlatuzana River is running through their property.”

* Property Values: The depot may negatively impact property values in the area.

* Zoning Non-Compliance: The proposed use does not align with the current residential zoning.

The residents have requested that the development be reviewed and that their concerns be taken into consideration, as well as the impact the development will have on the environment.

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The eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Director Mandla Nsele said these concerns have been noted.

“The City’s Land Use Management Unit previously engaged with the matter. However, earlier interventions could not proceed in terms of land use enforcement, as the activities identified at the time, primarily earthworks, did not constitute a contravention under applicable land use regulations.

“Following further assessment, the City is now proceeding with the issuing of contravention notices to the relevant landowner, in relation to the suspected operation of an unauthorised truck stop activity on the affected properties.

“It is anticipated that there may be representations similar to previous engagements, where landowners have indicated that truck activity forms part of earthworks or preparatory work for future development. These assertions will be assessed through the relevant regulatory processes,” said Nsele.

Nsele added that the municipality’s Environmental Department, including Biodiversity Enforcement officials familiar with the sites, will continue to monitor the situation and provide technical input where required.

“In addition, the Building Inspectorate has previously issued stop work notices, in relation to activities on the properties, and compliance monitoring remains ongoing.

“Furthermore, internal review processes are being undertaken in relation to the applicable municipal rating classification of the properties to ensure accuracy and alignment with enforcement outcomes, including consideration of an appropriate ‘illegal use’ classification where applicable.

“The City remains committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable by-laws and planning regulations through fair, consistent and lawful enforcement processes,” said Nsele.

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