A petition calling on the KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) to vigorously enforce by-laws in illegal informal settlements, is receiving strong public support.

Launched last Tuesday by the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra) the petition has already recorded 600 signatures, which chairman Deon Viljoen said indicated the level of frustration about the lack of by-law enforcement and the desperate need for visible policing.

Docrra was approached by residents raising concerns about unchecked public health and safety violations in the settlements west of Ballito, close to Umhlali Country Club and several established rate-paying residential communities.

Docrra said there was empathy for the plight of the people living in these settlements, but that by-laws had to be enforced for the “good of all affected community members”.

“By-laws are made to protect the public from nuisance, to protect, promote and maintain public health and safety and to prevent offensive behaviour in public places,” said Viljoen.

“While KDM accepts the benefits of increased rates revenue from one of the fastest growing municipalities in the country, they have failed to address the critical lack of adequate housing and infrastructure to handle the influx of new residents – rate-paying and informal.”

The association maintained the lack of housing should not negate the rule of law, because laws were in place to protect the community at large.

“Disturbance of the peace, pollution, illegal firing of weapons, crime spikes, illegal and unsafe water and electricity connections and unlicenced business operations are among the many complaints received.”

Docrra said anyone wishing to engage in meaningful dialogue on the issue could contact them. The petition, which closes on October 31, can be accessed by clicking ‘Sign the Petition’ on the association’s website at
www.docrra.co.za, or via links on its social media.

The KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) said they had not heard about the petition but confirmed the land occupation matter remains in court, although no date has yet been announced. Spokesperson Sifiso Zulu said KDM would also not be responding to the memorandum handed over during an Abahlali baseMjondolo march to Ballito last month, citing ongoing court proceedings.

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