CRIME, cleanliness and traffic have sparked growing tensions between businesses along Felix Dlamini (Brickfield) Road and the surrounding communities.
According to councillor Chris Pappas, residents in Berriedale Road, Kenilworth Road, Lumi Road, and South Road which fall in the Overport and Musgrave areas have lodged numerous complaints about dumping and general cleanliness on the roads.
“Some businesses in the area are either dumping their goods on the side roads or there is an accumulation of litter around their properties because of their commercial activities. Most of the complaints come from the area behind the Brickfield-facing business, especially around loading areas,” he said.
In addition to cleanliness, Pappas said concerns had also been expressed about the groups of men waiting around for part-time work.
“The men waiting for part-time work from local manufacturing businesses are forced to urinate in the side roads as they wait for possible opportunities which adds to the degradation of the communities adjoining Felix Dlamini Road,” he said.
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Truck drivers who parked and obstructed the small side roads in Overport and Musgrave also come in for some criticism.
Pappas said some businesses had not provided sufficient loading and unloading facilities and use the roadside or walkways.
He said traffic backed up for long periods of time and in some cases the roads are completely obstructed.
“There is a delicate balance that one needs to find. We do not want to chase away businesses and jobs but at the same time we need to keep the cleanliness and crime issue under control. We also need to make sure that building plans, business licencing and other issues of compliance are met without stifling economic activity in the area,” he said.
Pappas plans to establish a Development Forum in the area to look into building partnerships between Overport businesses and local communities.
The forum will look at issues such as beautification, crime and community development.
“We hope that businesses will come on board so that we can build a better area for everyone. The forum will be non-political and open to all residents and businesses,” said Pappas.
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