THE municipality has requested that we verify our property valuations for rates purposes by 31 March 2017.
It is my contention that properties in the Outer West region have been seriously reduced in value as a result of the odour and allegedly toxic fumes emanating from the municipal waste dump in Shongweni run by Enviroserv.
Hillcrest and surrounding suburbs was rated the second most healthy climate in the world. One of the reasons we settled there, away from the humidity of Durban.
However, the eThekwini Municipality and Enviroserv have certainly turned this fact on its head, now some properties in the area have become valueless and cannot be sold for love or money.
Some of the stories we have heard are frightening to say the least. This is a sample.
A horse fell under its rider and was bleeding from the nose. The vet attributed this unusual phenomenon to toxic fumes from the dump.
There are no dogs left in the Shongweni Valley near the waste dump. One can only imagine what the effect is on children if this is true.
Some families in Hillcrest have to block all windows and doors to stop the stench from entering their dwellings. Their children have all kinds of serious ear, nose and throat problems which doctors are attributing to the stench coming from this waste dump.
An expert has measured the parts per million above 1000 at times where the tolerance level for humans for these specific elements is 200.
We smell it from time to time and it seems to be more prevalent when misty, which is a bit concerning as the smelly elements are obviously present in the mist droplets and will be breathed in.
One thing we don’t understand is why the eThekwini Municipality has done nothing to solve this very serious problem affecting their residents.
I’m sure they’re making money out of the situation. As with most problems facing our country. Standard advice is to follow the money to find the root cause.
It is time the municipality took action and my proposal is that property valuations be set at 50 per cent of their current value so that only 50 per cent of property rates can be collected until the problem is dealt with.
Thereafter, allow a period of three months and if not dealt with, valuations should be set at nil so that no rates can be collected until the problem is solved completely.
This is realistic and fair to all residents and will deprive the municipality of revenue they do not deserve because they are not taking care of the people under their governance as required by law.
Barry Gould
Durban
