UNHYGIENIC working conditions, illegal electricity connections and non-compliance with regulations were uncovered during an inspection of businesses in the Richards Bay central business district (CBD) on Monday.

The inspection was conducted by the uMhlathuze Municipality’s Area Based Management(ABM) team, which included environmental affairs officials, fire and disaster management as well as business licensing officials.

Some businesses were forced to close owing to non-compliance and the city’s by-law enforcement team issued abatement notices for contravening by-laws.

Food confiscated from non-complying fast food outlets in the area had to be disposed off owing to health and hygiene concerns.

‘A common factor in some of the fast foods outlets in the CBD was also the use of gas stoves without any fire extinguishers in sight.

‘Some of the businesses were closed on the spot because of structural defects, non-compliance with fire regulations, hanging electricity cables and tampered meters,’ said City of uMhlathuze Communications Manager, Mdu Ncalane.

The team also inspected informal trading at the Richards Bay taxi rank with traders collaborating with the city to keep their trading spaces clean.

This follows a similar operation in eSikhaleni last year where businesses were inspected and expired food products confiscated.

‘While the ABM is a good programme that has made great strides in most parts of the city since last year February, it needs to be supported by the relevant by-laws.

‘Educational interaction with members of the community around town, including the business community in and around the CBD, will also be conducted aimed at educating them on best ways to protect and preserve the environment,’ Ncalane said.

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