From eyesore to informal trading

In his pursuit to enhance the area by curbing illegal roadside trading, yet at the same time realising job opportunities, ward 97 councillor Andre Beetge embarked on creating an informal trading area along Sowerset Way in Warner Beach.

“While another area along Somerset Way has traditionally been a trading area, it is narrow and problems are experienced with vehicles re-entering the road surface that makes it quite dangerous for everyone.

Having taken these problems into consideration, I contacted the city’s Business Support Unit in an attempt to have an adjacent piece of land that has remained a thorn in my flesh, converted into a recognised informal trader zone.”

As there is currently no budget allocated towards such a project, assistance was requested from various local municipal departments, resulting in the roads and stormwater department extending resources towards levelling the area and enhancing the entrance and exit, ensuring smoother re-entry into traffic.

The area has been placed upon the verge-cutting schedule thereby ensuring that it remains cleared and cut while the parks department has also committed to source large palm trees to replace those previously damaged. Durban Solid Waste (DSW) has committed to install swing bins and has already included the area in the litter collection programme.

While appreciative of everyone’s effort towards turning what was essentially an eyesore into a useful area, it is, however not a matter of merely parking and trading or for that matter turning the area into a used car lot, said Councillor Beetge.

“Likewise to other identified trading areas such as Winklespruit beach, Baggies, Warnadoone, Amanzimtoti beach, Rogies Park and the promenade, trading can only be done in terms of the Informal Trader Bylaw 2014 (see www.durban.gov.za) and if in possession of a legal informal trader permit that has to be renewed annually,” said Clrr Beetge.

Guidance on applications for the limited number of trading permits can be done with Zonke Ndimande on 031-902-2024 of Business Support Unit, located at 16 Inwabi Road, Isipingo.

“The idea is for traders to utilise the rear of the area, leaving the front open for parking. While this is an attempt at job creation, it does not replace the formal sector and trading has to be conducted in terms of the bylaws that include certain restrictions such as for example, roadside advertising.

The area will be submitted to regular inspections from departments that include health and those who continue to operate without a permit will have to explain themselves to law enforcement.

I am continuing my discussions with Business Support in an effort to further enhance the area to the point of ablutions, shelters and hard surface, but that, as we all know, could still take considerable time,” said Cllr Beetge.