THE Umhlanga Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (URRA) says it will not tolerate any disregard for the law after they secured a Durban High Court order halting work at a construction site on 185 Ridge Road, behind Umhlanga Centre.

The matter between the ratepayers’ body and the developers came to a head over the weekend after construction work allegedly continued despite a stop-work order granted by the court on October 16.

On Sunday, the court granted enforcement and site preservation measures with immediate effect.

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These included the authorisation of the Sheriff to seize or remove construction machinery arriving at the site and a physical cordon to preserve the site against further excavation.

The approach to the court follows concerns raised by residents and URRA about the structural stability of the M4 Ruth First Highway, which runs parallel to the construction site, as well as protecting critical infrastructure in the area.

“We will not stand by while unlawful development degrades and destroys our area’s infrastructure, threatens public safety or damages our natural environment,” said Terry McLarty, chairperson of URRA. “Developers must comply with the law and respect court orders. We will not be bullied or intimidated into backing down from our responsibility to protect the interests of uMhlanga, despite the pressure placed on us to do so.”

When approached about the court order and the ratepayers’ body’s concerns, the administrator of the construction site said that he could not comment and that the matter was sub judice.

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