Rezoning drama continues
Industrial activity seems to be continuing on Lot 1959 Uvongo.
THE Hibiscus Coast Municipality has failed to respond to a request, last week, for clarity regarding a controversial Uvongo property and the apparent continuation of its use as a base for an industrial enterprise.
This is in spite of a ruling by the KwaZulu-Natal Planning and Development Appeal Tribunal, on April 20, which upheld objections by Uvongo residents against the rezoning, by Hibiscus Coast Municipality, of the property, Lot 1959 in Alamein Road. It had been changed from ‘agriculture’ to a split zoning, comprising ‘light industry’ and ‘conservation’.
The industrial activities taking place on this property and the disruption this caused have long been a source of concern for residents of the area. The owners operated a construction company, Siva Pillay Construction, from there and stored and maintained heavy vehicles on the property. When they applied to have Lot 1959 rezoned to legalise their operation, their neighbours objected.
The Ivungu River Conservancy also lodged an objection as it was concerned about the threat of pollution posed by oil and diesel spills to the Ivungu River and other sensitive areas.When the municipality granted the rezoning in spite of the many appeals, objectors turned to the KwaZulu-Natal Planning and Development Appeal Tribunal for relief.
Objectors were thrilled when the tribunal upheld the appeal on the grounds that Hibiscus Coast Municipality was precluded from approving the application for rezoning lot 1959. This was because the application proposal was in conflict with the municipality’s integrated development plan, a component of which was its spatial development framework.
The objectors thought that the industrial activity would at last be halted and peace would be restored in their neighbourhood. Now they are puzzled and angry as the construction company still appears to be operating from Lot 1959 in spite of the ruling – and the municipality is not explaining why.
