The DA has written (view here) to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Human Settlements MEC, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, calling for an urgent meeting between his department and affected residents and stakeholders of Bayview in Chatsworth around the proposed Turnstone Road housing development.
The appeal comes after a community meeting on Saturday, where residents expressed shock over the departments plans to proceed with building on Portion 215 or ERF80 which they claim is a play lot that has served their community for several years and also has heritage significance.
The community are enraged that the department has allegedly not followed due process in terms of rezoning the site from recreational to housing development. This, while plans to forge ahead are underway.
The alarm was first raised when residents found out about the development through community WhatsApp groups. They raised the matter with DA ward councilor Ganas Govender who, at the time, had also not been informed of the proposed development.
While the DA supports the development of housing – particularly for KZN’s flood victims who remain destitute and living in halls – it is vital that the department follows due process if it is to avoid future obstacles, delays and the loss of money.
With an enormous housing backlog in KZN – and the focus now on speedily housing flood victims – MEC Mahlaba and his department cannot afford to jeopardize housing projects by not following crucial processes.
The DA recently revealed a similar situation at the Bakerville Housing project in Msunduzi where the department was pushing ahead without receiving the environmental green light and amid concerns from engineers around the suitability and safety of the site for construction. There had also been no community engagement.
It is imperative that the department follow correct procedures and protocols before and during every housing development project. Ultimately, it is KZN’s most vulnerable people who will bear the brunt if it fails to do so.
The DA will continue to hold this ANC-run provincial government department to account. The quality of life and safety of all residents must be prioritized.
(Please note – Cllr Ganas Govender- 073 572 2896)