THE proposal to establish a fully operational informal trading market opposite the Dutch Club and Showgrounds on The Bluff has met with criticism from ratepayers’ associations.

The Bluff Ratepayers and Residents Association (BRRA) have voiced concerns that the market could negatively affect property values and the livelihoods of businesses already struggling in the area.

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EThekwini Municipality has reportedly designated a stretch along Tara Road that will see street vendors selling their products.

Deputy chairperson of the Bluff Ratepayers and Residents Association, Allison Schoeman said, “It would seem that the space in question may not be a designated informal trading area, yet permits are somehow being issued for individuals to operate there. This raises serious concerns and we need to investigate the matter further.

“We do not support Tara Road being turned into an informal trading space. As per the eThekwini Informal Trading By-Laws, specific conditions must be met for an area to be designated for informal trading,” said Schoeman.
“There is no significant overlap between formal and informal trading. Two fully established shopping malls already cater to the needs of the community.

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The Bluff economy will collapse

“Turning this space into an informal trading zone threatens the economic viability of these malls, which are critical to The Bluff’s stability. If they decline, The Bluff’s economy will collapse and many jobs will be lost. How can we justify allowing one individual to generate an income yet many others to lose their income. This is simply not an option for our community,” she said.

She added that the BRRA does not believe there is a legitimate consumer market for these stalls.

“If any demand exists, it is likely coming from the informal settlement of Phola Park which was as a result of illegal occupation of land. We cannot continue enabling unlawful conduct by accommodating and legitimising these actions through infrastructure development and/ or creating economic nodes allowing the settlement to flourish. They are meant to be there temporarily until the city finds alternative accommodation.

“By allowing this, we become complicit in the very problem we work tirelessly to resolve. Upholding the law must be the priority if we are serious about preserving The Bluff’s integrity and future,” she added.

BRRA is now calling on residents to raise their views by signing this objection document 

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