Montclair’s sport facility rezoning proposal – City remains tight-lipped
As speculations mount and residents await answers, the lack of communication leaves the community in limbo – prompting questions about the future of the cherished local asset.
AS anticipation builds and concerns linger, eThekwini Municipality continues to withhold details regarding the proposed building of Gap Houses on Kenyon Howden sports ground. Despite mounting curiosity and calls for transparency from residents, officials remain tight-lipped – leaving the community in a state of uncertainty about the future of this key recreational ground.
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A week after a story was published about the decision made by eThekwini Municipality to build Gap Houses on Kenyon Howden sports ground, residents have expressed mixed feelings with some calling for the council to reverse its decision.
The decision was made at the recent full council meeting after political parties voted in favour of the proposal, except the DA.
However, the decision taken by the council for development has raised objections among the public, who claim that they had never been consulted to air their views on the rezoning of the area.
Frustrated residents have taken to social media platforms to vent their anger on the decision and called on the municipality to schedule a public consultation meeting to allow them to voice their objections on the proposed development.
Numerous attempts were made to solicit a comment from eThekwini, however, all attempts proved to be fruitless as the council did not respond to the questions sent to its spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, on April 4.
Talent Lindokuhle Madondo posted, “(After reading the article), I did not sleep well that night. A sporting facility is necessary (for the community).”
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Another resident, Angelique Potgieter, posted, “We all know exactly what that place will really turn into and what it means for this area. The area has turned into a crime hotspot, getting worse by the day.”
Rurtram Smith said, “(The development will add more strain on the services) – there will be more water and electricity outages as well as traffic issues.”
Gap Housing is a term that describes the shortfall or gap in the market between residential units supplied by the state and houses delivered by the private sector. The Gap Housing market is comprised of people who typically earn between R3 500 and R22 000 per month.
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