Authorities probe Umbilo’s car ‘grave yard’
This land is zoned for residential use and investigation and enforcement is being taken up.
A SECTION 79 contravention notice will be issued to the owner of 30 Lorraine Avenue, following investigations into an illegal wrecking yard in the road.
Ward 33 councillor, Mmabatho Tembe, said following consultation with Eric Parker, regional co-ordinator for Land Use Management Central South, she was told the notice will allow the owner a maximum of 30 days to respond or comment.
“A second inspection will then be conducted to verify compliance and should the contravention still persist, a rates adjustment on the property will be done and the matter will be handed over to the enforcement department which will take further action,” she said.
The wrecking yard was brought to her attention in December when residents contacted her to inform her that in October the vacant piece of land in the road was suddenly, without warning, turned into a car ‘grave yard’ for vehicles involved in accidents.
Resident, Helen Noble said tow trucks arrived throughout the night and in the early hours of the morning to dump cars on the site, which made a big noise, and it was incredibly unsightly. She mentioned children living in the block of flats overlooking the land had been traumatised by cars brought in covered in blood.
Noble contacted the Berea Mail again this month to follow-up on what was being done, as she said nothing had changed.
“No more vehicles are being brought onto the land, however there is now a flatbed trailer parked there. I hope the municipality acts quickly to close down this operation,” she said.
Cathy Osborne, chairperson and supervisor of the block of flats overlooking the land, said this was having a detrimental affect on the building. She said she was unable to sell the flats as people who had gone to look at them had been put off by the fact that this lot filled with vehicles is right next door.
“Besides the noise, we have noticed an increase in mosquitoes, flies and snakes,” she said.
Noble and Osborne were also concerned that the security guard on the site has no ablution facilities.
