#Letter: Sensible discourse an imperative

Ballito resident Tony Kruger writes:

I find it extremely disturbing that when faced with challenges about matters affecting the needs of a whole community, these are not sensibly dealt with.

Unresolved, the result is polarisation. Yet, when such matters are approached in an objective, empathetic and compassionate way, mutually agreed and satisfactory solutions can be reached.

All too often we get drawn into emotional responses and become divided by self-interested people who live among us.

Why do we allow this?

I refer, of course, to the proposed building of a mosque in Butterfly Park which has sparked considerable debate. Your newspaper report stated 4 000sqm of the park is to be sold.

To get a fuller picture, some questions are:

• How big is the park, and what percentage of the land does this represent?
• Where is the mosque to be constructed – for example in the middle or in a corner with road access to it that does not impact on the rest of the park?
• Has constructive discussion taken place on issues such as traffic safety during prayer meeting times or any noise factors?

These can’t be any different to issues of traffic congestion and noise from churches, community clubs and such in the area – can it?

Where there are differences, find acceptable points of agreement.

The fault lines can only deepen unless proper steps are taken to facilitate and mediate a solution.

It is incumbent on the role players and the town councillors we voted for to get the matter properly and peacefully sorted out. I call on them all to do the right thing.

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