Noise nuisance frustration for estate residents in Ballito

Residents of a Ballito residential estate are living in fear for their safety because of a large group of men who park next to the estate all day and night, revving engines, shouting and generally creating a disturbance.

Kingston Estate resident Amy-Lea Louis said the men, believed to be taxi drivers and owners, have been congregating between the estate and the Ballito clinic for about six weeks.

Frustrated by the noise, she spearheaded a petition to have them leave the premises which gained about 90 signatures from other residents.

“This started after a fence was erected around the Ballito Bay Mall which prevented outsiders from parking on the property. Since then there has been an average of six to 15 cars parked on the strip of council land next to the Ballito Clinic seven days a week.

“The men scream for hours and are causing a disturbance to the peace of the estate.

“It is not clear what they are doing hanging around talking with one another loudly for six hours a day. It does not look good for Kingston having suspicious characters hanging about and it will certainly put off potential buyers as residents already fear for their safety,” she said.

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Louis said Umhlali SAPS attempted to remove the men but were unsuccessful. Residents were told that SAPS could not force them to leave as the land belonged to the municipality.

However, two men parked outside the estate on Monday afternoon told the Courier they were Uber drivers and found the spot convenient.

KDM media liaison Sipho Mkhize said residents should lodge a complaint at the KDM traffic department which is responsible for patrolling the area.

Louis, however, said she attempted to do so at the Ballito municipal office but was sent from one department to the next. She has since emailed complaints to KDM.

Speaking on behalf of the trustees of Kingston Estate body corporate, Sharmla Ramharry said they had attempted to resolve the issue by speaking to the drivers, the majority of which they believe to be Uber taxis, and contacting the police but to no avail.

“As this area is not within the control of the body corporate, we rely on the local authorities to address the concerns raised. It is hoped that an amicable solution is reached which will not impact negatively on residents. We look forward to having this matter resolved,” she said.

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