City clamps down on illegal structures in Empangeni CBD

The City of uMhlathuze has intensified its efforts to restore order and enforce municipal regulations following a multi-disciplinary by-law enforcement operation conducted on Thursday night in the Empangeni CBD.

The operation marks a significant escalation in the municipality’s campaign to curb illegal trading and remove unlawfully erected structures that have increasingly taken over public spaces.

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According to a statement issued by the city, many of these makeshift structures are used by unpermitted hawkers who operate outside the law, creating obstructions and contributing to unfair competition for compliant businesses.

“The primary objective of the blitz was to systematically identify and address the illegally constructed stalls, shacks and extensions that have encroached on public spaces,” the statement read.

The municipality added that these structures not only violate municipal by-laws but also contribute to:

•     Pedestrian and vehicular congestion, posing safety risks
•     Unsanitary conditions and litter accumulation
•     An unregulated trading environment that disadvantages law-abiding vendors and businesses

“This targeted blitz is not an isolated incident but an extension of the City’s ongoing strategy to uphold law and order within its jurisdiction.

The multi-disciplinary nature of the operation— involving units from Law Enforcement, Security, and Roads underscores a comprehensive approach to the complex issue of illegal trading,” the statement continued.

The City emphasised that enforcing bylaws is essential to maintaining a safe, clean, and properly regulated business environment for residents and legitimate entrepreneurs in Empangeni.

“Operations of this kind are expected to continue as part of the City’s commitment to sustainable urban management,” the statement concluded.

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