Surge in land invasions alarm eThekwini
Fynnlands and Merebank are among the areas affected, with illegal occupants continuing to erect structures on vacant land.
THE growing number of land invasions taking place across many parts of eThekwini Municipality, including Wards 68 and 66, is raising urgent concerns about lawlessness and mounting pressure on the already strained public services.
Transnet-owned land in Fynnlands on The Bluff, as well as Buldana Road in Merebank, are among the areas affected, with illegal occupants continuing to erect structures on vacant land.
A community activist in Ward 68, Neil Pather, said the spike in illegal land occupation follows recent demolitions of shacks along Buldana Road near Marine Drive.
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More than six structures have been erected within dense forests in the area, while additional units, torn down just last week, had already begun to reappear.
“In recent weeks, a joint operation between eThekwini Municipality officials and metro police dismantled shacks that were erected illegally,” said Pather.
He added that some structures remain in place due to longstanding occupation.
“A few shacks are still standing because those residents have been there for a long time and their homes were formally numbered. It was agreed that there should be no further construction of shacks along Buldana Road,” said Pather.
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He said the community is concerned that the growing number of land invaders will place additional strain on the infrastructure.
“Those that have been erected, although a warning has been issued, will be demolished,” he added.
Pather added that land invasion needs an urgent intervention from authorities. eThekwini Municipality is facing a spate of land invasions and property hijackings.
Due to this, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba called for special courts to address land invasions and hijacked properties.
According to a statement from eThekwini Municipality, Xaba has approached the Minister of Justice, Mamoloko Kubayi, to address this issue through the establishment of special courts.
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