Editor
Land invasion is occurring near Carnation Crescent (adjacent to 10, 12, 14, and 16 Carnation Crescent.) When landowners adjacent to the property attempted to purchase the land from the municipality, they were refused, stating that a road was going to be built.

Currently, an individual has excavated, broken down a fence which was for security purposes and he has encroached on municipal land, claiming that he has purchased it. If indeed this is correct – did the municipality follow due process? Surely transparency and accountability are fundamental to municipal governance. Was the sale of municipal land advertised in the media, as prescribed by the Municipal Systems Act? As a matter of urgency, Umtshezi Municipality needs to attend to this matter and deal harshly with any transgressors of the law.

Irate Ratepayer

With reference to the query regarding the purchase of land behind 10,12,14 and 16 Carnation Crescent, the property has not been sold to any individual and as a result this individual will be dealt with in terms of the relevant legislation for using council land without permission.

Ms PN Njoko
Umtshezi Municipal Manager