Glen Austin battles illegal businesses
GLEN AUSTIN – Chairperson John Mphatsoe says it was of great concern that double-axle trucks were being driven on roads that could not accommodate trucks of that weight, consequently damaging the road surfaces.
Glen Austin residents have raised their concerns over illegal businesses operating in the area.
Glen Austin Residents Association chairperson, John Mphatsoe told the Midrand Reporter on 20 May that the organisation and the City of Johannesburg were able to successfully remove a fuel-transporting business from a property zoned for residential agricultural purposes. However, issues with illegal business operating in the area continue to rise.
Mphatsoe said that it is of great concern that double-axle trucks are being driven on roads that cannot accommodate trucks of that weight, consequently damaging the road surfaces. He added that residents were also subjected to the pollution effects of diesel regularly spilled by those tankers.
Also on his list of concerns is the burgeoning number of entertainment venues suddenly springing up which play loud music.
Mphatsoe said that residents were perturbed that these venues may be operating without the owners having followed correct application procedures to the City for consent of land use or permission for events.
He added that residents have brought these venues to their attention because of the disturbance they cause. “Here they spin cars, not only posing a security threat but causing a nuisance too. As with other similar situations, there has not been any consultation with the residents of Glen Austin regarding such activity and so this too was raised with the relevant department in the City of Johannesburg.
”Another area of concern raised by residents is the mushrooming of construction companies operating illegally in the area. We wish to reiterate that Glen Austin is a registered nature conservancy and we will not allow anything that will destroy our habitat. Residents have purchased and invested in the area for its country feel and the natural habitat and won’t allow the area to become industrialised.”
He concluded that as the residents association they urge people who are building to adhere to the guidelines, by having their building plans approved first.
Details: Glen Austin Residents Association 071 054 6362.
