UIP only pushes the grime to other areas

We acknowledge the response from Mr Wright (Letters, January 24) and his opening paragraph where he immediately passes accountability onto the municipality. His explanation re the aim and core functions of the UIP is no different to the mandate of any municipality for which we pay rates.
The fact that the UIP will only focus on certain areas means we push the crime and grime to the areas not serviced and start creating class distinction in our suburbs. We have seen this happening in Umhlanga where the main street and public areas look neat and secure but the crime and state of maintenance in the streets behind them has escalated astronomically.
We also know that the UIP in Umhlanga really only looks after the main street in the lower village and then Florida Road in Durban – both single strips with commercial business comprising mainly hospitality and sectional title i.e. holiday apartments, hotels and restaurants spilling over onto the streets and sidewalks etc. This is very different to Ballito?
Mr Wright tries to justify his right to enforce a Special Rating Area (special levy) by making reference to the Municipal Property Rates Act 2004 which in other words is a form of bullying tactic.
Mr Wright very cleverly makes reference to 44% of the total value of commercial owners which represents 18% of property owners committing support. Surely even 51% is not grounds to impose special rates on members of the community. Let’s talk numbers and not percentages?
Last but not least, Mr Wright very cleverly skirted the questions posed i.e. what process was followed to formally appoint his company and by whom? Having said that, can he please provide us with more details on his company.
Frank du Toit makes some very valid points and hence the point made in my letter re opening this up to the local community to seek solutions before recruiting an arbitrary outsider. What is the vested interest of Mr Wright and does he personally live in Ballito?
Mr Editor we also thank you for providing this community platform to voice our concerns and opinions as this debate is far from over and the disquiet from concerned residents is increasing.
R ROSSI
Ballito
Background info on UIP available from clare@ilembechamber.co.za – Ed.