Baskoppies residents are fed up with illegal businesses
Residents say the police have not been helpful when they report the inconvenience and merely claim the people do not want to listen.
POLOKWANE – Residents of Baskoppies in Dalmada want the Polokwane Municipality to account for the increasing number of businesses polluting the area with noise, contrary to its zoning certificates.
The certificates do not permit all forms of industrialisation, but the use of the land strictly for agricultural purposes.
The dwellers all requested to remain anonymous for the fear of being targeted.
They say noise pollution is rife in the area, to the extent that it affects their daily activities.
“I work from home, as do many others who live in the area. The noise from machines continues from 07:00 until around 16:00 and on Saturdays as well. Every 10 seconds, this loud sound from the manufacturing companies fills the area,” says one resident.
Residents further complain about the persistent music from recreational facilities in the area at unacceptable hours of the night.
“We are having a hard time sleeping. Loud music, screaming, shouting over microphones (over weekends) throughout the night is not acceptable,” another annoyed resident says.
They say the police have not been helpful when they do report the inconvenience.
“How can the police not be able to stop people from drinking, screaming and shouting over microphones? What has happened in our society? We phoned the police numerous times and they simply say that people do not want to listen.”
To support their stance, they have since presented two respective zoning certificates with the Polokwane Municipality letterhead, to Polokwane Observer, showing that one manufacturing company operates illegally, while an overnight establishment in the same area is not recognised.
“When we reported them to the municipality, they only said it was noted and that they are awaiting a court date. We have been trying since 2018. The zoning certificate shows that only one house is allowed per plot, but they own an entire hotel,” they continue.
Residents fear that the situation is devaluing their properties.
“All of these factors are bringing down our property values. We want to sell and leave, but we can’t. When potential buyers drive around, they get a feel of what is going on here and they decide this is not where they want to live,” another resident remarked.
Polokwane Municipality spokesperson, Thipa Selala says they have met with the legal representative of the complainants and are waiting for court processes to unfold.
“We have engaged with the alleged illegal land users through their lawyer. The matter is now before the court for judicial consideration and therefore prohibited from public discussion elsewhere. Let’s wait for the process to unfold. We accord the court space to deal with the matter,” he says.
