THE eThekwini Municipality has said that the owners of properties in Assagay on which an alleged unauthorized truck stop is operating have undertaken “to move these activities within the next three months, if not earlier”.

This follows more complaints from residents in the area, including those from Summerveld and Cliffdale, who raised concerns that there seemed to be a failure to comply with notices of contravention issued by the municipality to those running the alleged truck stop.

This after the Highway Mail reported that the municipality had issued contravention notices “to the relevant landowner, in relation to the suspected operation of an unauthorised truck stop”.

The municipality’s marketing and communications director Mandla Nsele said the concerns raised by community members are being addressed.

“There are three properties involved. In terms of the eThekwini Municipal Planning and Land Use Management By-Law 2021, contravention notices have been served to the respective property owners. They have all responded and have indicated to the municipality they intend to move these activities within the next three months, if not earlier.

“The Land Use Management Division will closely monitor compliance during this period. Should the property owners fail to comply by the end of the three-month timeframe, the municipality will proceed with further enforcement action in accordance with the applicable legislation and municipal regulation,” said Nsele.

In a response, one of the parties involved with the alleged truck stop said they can “confirm that we are liaising with the relevant authorities”.

Also read: Are ‘robots’ needed at intersections on Trafford Road?

One of the complaints made by residents was about noise pollution emanating from the enterprise.

The residents had previously commented that another concern was that the area is currently zoned residential.

Their concerns included:

• 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.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here