Business and property owners are increasingly concerned about the growing number of informal structures being erected along Walter Sisulu Drive near the CBD and next to the boundary wall of China Cash and Carry on Oliver Tambo Drive, near the taxi rank.

Business and property owners have questioned why they are expected to pay property rates and taxes while what they describe as illegal occupation and the erection of unauthorised structures are seemingly being allowed to continue.

They also argue that the growing number of structures could negatively affect property values, saying potential buyers and investors may be reluctant to invest in an area where illegal structures are increasing.

The structures and makeshift shelters have raised further concerns about the town’s appearance, with business and property owners saying the situation creates an eyesore and harms Secunda’s image.

Some business owners argue that the continued occupation is particularly concerning in prominent areas of town where locals and visitors from outside Secunda regularly pass through.

Questions have also been raised about law enforcement and whether it is taking sufficient action regularly to prevent additional structures from being erected and to address existing illegal occupations.

“One structure has grown to two, three, four… and growing every day. If it is not stopped now, it will get out of hand,” said a concerned businessman.

He said the structures are illegal and must be removed.

“Why must people pay property rates when squatter camps are bringing down property values? The people staying there pay nothing.

“People in houses and businesses pay property rates. It’s carrying the council and paying their salaries at the end of the day,” said the man.

He said if property owners stopped paying property rates because illegal structures were devaluing their properties, there would eventually be no money to pay the mayor and council.

Walter Sisulu Drive is a main route leading to Sasol’s Gate One, Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club, Lake Umuzi Waterfront, car dealerships and various businesses. It carries heavy local and out-of-town traffic.

“This is the main route into Secunda and now people have to drive past a squatter camp. It’s horrible,” said the man.

The Ridge Times has previously reported on Law Enforcement operations to remove illegal structures and people occupying spaces unlawfully. However, the structures and occupants soon return.

“Do a once-a-month removal. If Law Enforcement sees they return, do it once a week. Those people will eventually get the message.”

He said removing illegal structures and vagrants has little impact if operations occur only once every several months.

“We pay tax; the squatters don’t. We want the illegal structures removed. The municipality does not allow illegal structures. Remove it.”

Concerns were also raised over the drug dealings and drug use, fighting and other criminal activity in and around the area.

Govan Mbeki Municipality spokesperson Donald Green said the affected areas receive ongoing attention from the municipal By-Law Enforcement Unit and relevant municipal departments.

“Regular clean-up and law enforcement operations are undertaken to address illegal structures, unlawful activities, littering and other contraventions of municipal by-laws,” said Green.

He acknowledged that the municipality continued to face challenges with individuals returning to previously cleared areas and erecting structures again.

“This requires continuous monitoring, repeated enforcement interventions and cooperation among relevant stakeholders,” said Green.

He said the concerns raised by residents and businesses about the frequency of operations had been acknowledged and would be considered in ongoing operational planning.

He added that the municipality remained committed to strengthening law enforcement efforts and maintaining clean, safe and attractive public spaces.

Regarding allegations of drug dealing, drug use, fighting and other criminal activities, Green encouraged residents and businesses to report incidents to SAPS.

ALSO CHECK: Two areas, one paper

“Municipal Law Enforcement continues to support efforts to address unlawful activities within its jurisdiction,” said Green.

He also acknowledged concerns about damage to boundary walls, fires, poor sanitation and littering. He said municipal teams continued to conduct cleaning operations in affected public spaces, while relevant departments attended to matters falling within their responsibilities.

He said the municipality understood the importance of maintaining Secunda’s appearance, particularly along major routes used by residents, businesses, tourists and visitors.

“The municipality remains committed to creating a clean, safe and welcoming environment that supports economic development, tourism and property investment,” said Green.

He added that maintaining public spaces and enforcing municipal by-laws remained important service delivery priorities, including in Sunset Park.

“The municipality will continue implementing clean-up and enforcement interventions in these areas, while working with relevant stakeholders towards sustainable solutions,” said Green.

He said all enforcement activities would be conducted in accordance with applicable legislation and encouraged residents and businesses to cooperate with municipal officials and report illegal activities to the relevant authorities.