Yamorna 61: Zone 1 Industrial not certified for scrap yard
Residents and farmers of Tzaneen have expressed concern about a scrap yard allegedly being constructed on portion 61 of Yamorna just outside of town.
The property and surrounding areas are zoned for agricultural use only, and play an integral role in a system that directly affects the environment of Tzaneen as a whole.
Waste and material residues generated from scrap yards have an extremely harmful effect on the environment, and these industries are notorious for becoming hot spots for criminal activity.
This is why government certification and zoning is required by law before a property can be used for industrial purposes.
The Yamorna plot has already been levelled for construction, and sources reveal that the plans are to relocate a scrap yard based in Nkowankowa to this location.
The property has recently been zoned for Level 1 industrial use, as issued by Mgena Mathye of the Greater Tzaneen Municipality.
But in order to erect a scrap yard, a Level 2 zoning permit must be issued by a tribunal, which also involves several legal requirements such as an impact study of the immediate environment as well as the consent of surrounding property owners.
Despite the several allegations, the owners of Yamorna 61 responsible for the construction have denied any intentions of building a scrap yard, and insist that plans are to start an auto-parts sales dealership instead.
