ST Winifreds residents have expressed mixed reactions after an eThekwini Municipality notice circulated on social media informed the public that an application has been made to turn a house at 36 St Boniface Avenue into a rehabilitation centre.

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Residents have until April 14 to lodge written objections to the development of the institution, after the advertisement was published on March 14 in two local publications.

On social media some residents voiced concerns that such facilities should be out of the suburbs. “The house does not have sufficient parking, has low walls, no security and the street is narrow, so it cannot take parking in the street. It will attract a bad element as people in drug rehabilitation centres are very vulnerable to relapse,” said some who objected to the development.

One person responded, “Why would you object? I think it is a good idea. Amanzimtoti is full of drug users that everyone complains about. Why is a solution to a problem now suddenly a problem?”

Dalene Heath of Toti Community Assist said, “I’m honestly against it, unless they will have grace beds and are reasonably priced. We have a rehabilitation centre in our area and majority cannot afford it. I feel there is more need for a safe house for mothers and children. Our area has an addiction problem but those same individuals cannot afford private facilities.”

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Ward 97 councillor André Beetge said, “Our office has been inundated with enquiries regarding the application and the process that needs to be followed, should those with an interest wish to lodge an objection. It should be noted that as the elected councillor, our role is that of the custodian of municipal processes and policies, and not as some expect, being in favour of either applicant or the objector.”

He explained that the property is zoned as Special Residential 900 and facilitates a special consent application to accommodate an institutional building. A copy of the application, prepared by Deep Thoughts Architecture, can be accessed on the following website under ‘South’: https://www.durban.gov.za/pages/residents/lums-adverts.

How to lodge an objection:

Lodge a written objection at the following:

• 1st Floor, 11 Gracedale Road, Winklespruit
• Registered post to P.O. Box 680, Durban, 4000
• E-mail both seekola@durban.gov.za and nag4design@live.com
• Contact South Regional Office on 031 311 5834

Such objections must contain the following information:

• The name and physical address of the person making the objection
• The address at which the person making the objection shall receive service of any notice that includes an e-mail address
• The interest of the person in the application
• The reasons for the objection

The window for objections closes on April 14.

Details about the proposed facility

According to Andile Gwala, of Deep Thoughts Architecture, the facility is aimed at providing a welcoming environment and excellent care to its patients. The objective is to assist people overcoming addiction through healing the mind and body from the effects of addiction while teaching individuals how to live a life free of drugs and alcohol.

There will be three bedrooms for patients, with six beds, and one duty room for staff.

Consultation will only be by appointment with no walk-in patients, and no visitors will be allowed for stay in patients until they are transferred.

“It is essentially going to be a consultation room for private clients and will be by appointment. Measures will be taken to avoid any disturbance to neighbouring properties. All municipal by-laws are complied with. The boundary wall will be raised and there will be an electric fence. The property will be well-secured with day and night security and caretakers to minimise risk,” said Gwala.

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