ANGRY residents in Clairwood have called on eThekwini Municipality to revise its proposal to rezone the area as they need to consult with their expert on the matter before proceeding.

Also read: Furore over proposed changes for Clairwood Logistic Park

The residents also expressed concerns about the timing, noting that the over 500-page document they are required to review in less than two weeks is inadequate. The complaints were raised at a public meeting held in Clairwood on March 1.

The proposed changes include the rezoning to Special Zone 40: Logistics. The amendment would enable the area to be developed for logistics-related purposes.

This change is intended to align with a Local Area Plan (LAP) that was adopted by the municipality in 2014. A LAP typically outlines detailed goals, strategies and zoning rules for specific neighbourhoods, addressing how land should be used, developed, or managed.

Chairperson of the Clairwood Ratepayers and Residents Association (CRRA), Mervyn Reddy, said that residents’ objections must not be ignored.

“We will continue to engage with various government protocols and NGOs to highlight the plight of Clairwood, referencing this new plan which will displace residents,” Reddy said.

Also read: Ward rezoning consultations continue in Merebank

He announced that on March 8, two workshops will be held to discuss the proposed plan. The first session, from 09:00 to 12:00, will focus on the informal settlement community and will be conducted in isiZulu to ensure they are informed, and can understand and can raise objections. This session will specifically engage the Cherry Road settlement, with the chairperson of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, Desmond D’sa, and his team co-ordinating it.

The second session will be for the broader community, running from 15:00 to 17:00. This session will be interactive, focusing on current issues and what the community wants for Clairwood.

“We will include the CRRA email for submissions. D’sa will assist with the process. It is crucial that each individual, organisation and business submits their own form rather than a joint objection. This will ensure we accurately capture the volume of objections. Our plan is also to present these objections to the mayor’s office,” he said.

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