Good news for those residents who have fought long-running battles with ‘park party bashers’, those who dump refuse in town and commit other social ills.
Dundee has a reputation for ‘park parties’ and these anti-social gatherings, usually accompanied by drinking in public, loud music and even couples engaging in sex, has got up the noses and ears of households.
Calls to the police station are usually met with the stock phrases ‘there are no vans’ or ‘there are no laws in place to stop gatherings in the park’.
That is all about to change. Desi Padayachee, acting municipal manager, confirmed to the Courier that the by-laws relating to public and noise disturbances and other issues have been drawn up.
“These have to be signed by the Magistrate’s Court and the by-laws will then be promulgated. The modus operandi then will be for residents with issues to contact the call centre, 034 21 22 222, and, if need be, call in the traffic police to see to the concern. If necessary, the SAPS will also be called in.”
The SAPS and Traffic Police have all been involved in the discussions to ensure that ‘everyone is on the same page’, Mr Padayachee said.
“With by-laws in place, we can enforce the law. This was never the case in the past. A similar process is in place in Ladysmith and it is working well with the co-operation of all law enforcement agencies.”
He added that for the first time since a string of acting municipal managers have been in charge, the Municipality has finally completed the performance assessment of Section 56 managers in all Departments.
“The assessments are compulsory in terms of the law and ensures that Endumeni Municipality is fully compliant.”