PROGRESS is being made to remove a large container which was placed outside Natal Settlers Memorial Home in Umbilo last month.
Councillor Mmabatho Tembe said the owner of the container had wanted to place it inside Kenneth Gardens to trade, however Kenneth Garden’s committee had turned down his request. He then had the container placed outside Natal Settlers in Hutchinson Road.
“It seemed to appear in the area overnight. I have received many complaints from residents. At the time, I asked Metro Police to investigate if it was legal and upon investigation, it seemed the owner had a legal permit and a letter to say he could place it in the area,” she said.
Tembe said she went on to contact the head of Business Support and requested the office investigate, as she had not been consulted as ward councillor and the owner had not received a letter of consent from her.
“Business Support investigated and through the investigation concurred that it was not legal. I asked Natal Settlers for a supporting letter, as management, along with the residents, were against it being outside the property. Metro Police did serve the owner, who was given two weeks’ notice to remove the container, however this has not been done and Business Support has tasked Metro Police to remove it,” she said.
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Tembe said the delay now was that Metro Police didn’t have a vehicle to remove a container of this size.
“Metro are going through the correct channels to source a vehicle, and the delay is on their part,” she said.
She urged residents to take cognisance of processes that need to be followed in this instance, especially since the owner had a letter of consent and this needed to be investigated.
“Illegal traders are popping up all over the area and Metro Police need to investigate this. Residents need to realise there is a process that needs to be followed, and this takes time,” she said.
Tembe said traders needed to apply for permits through Business Support and get a supporting letter from the ward councillor.
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