UPDATE: Pay parking concession?
Stanger CBD has been described as a ‘ghost town’ ever since the pay parking system was implemented, while the system was boycotted in Ballito business areas on its first day, last Wednesday.
Businesses and residents remain furious as KwaDukuza municipality scrambles to iron out the backlash from the new pay parking system.
The system has imposed a R6 an hour parking fee on motorists in Stanger, Umhlali, Shakaskraal and Ballito.
However, there was an indication this week that council is rethinking concessions for long-term parkers as a result of public pressure.
Questions and confusion resulting from a lack of public participation have caused outrage, with some protesting in KwaDukuza for the past two weekends and a widespread boycott in Ballito.
A petition with 2000 signatures has been handed to council.
Stanger CBD has been described as a ‘ghost town’ ever since the pay parking system was implemented, while the system was boycotted in Ballito business areas on its first day, last Wednesday.
For more stories about the pay parking system click HERE
It has not been implemented since in Ballito, Umhlali and Shakaskraal. Sandra Chinsamy, owner of Stanger Home Industries in King Shaka St, blamed the new system for a noticeable drop in customers.
“We did not know anything about this until it was being implemented. There are few cars in the CBD now because people do not want to pay for parking. We see fewer customers because of this.”
However, Stanger businessman Mohammed Danka said the new system has helped him, although he is paying for his customers’ parking.
“We see a lot more customers coming in and we see fewer incidents of theft on the street.
“Overall the parking has been making things safer and more convenient.”
Glenhills Civic Association chairperson Rishi Pooran said KDM had refused to engage the Stanger residents who protested for two weekends.
At a media briefing on Tuesday, KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu denied that there was a lack of public participation and said the problem within the communities stemmed from the fact that ward councillors did not engage with the public.
CLARITY: "Your hourly charge allows you to utilise any parking bay around town. There will be no extra charge until you've exhausted your paid for one hour parking charging." #KDMparking
— KwaDukuza Municipality (@KwaDukuza_LM) November 14, 2017
He also said he would engage with people who have facts about the system, not myths.
“We placed adverts in newspapers advertising the tenders. We also engaged the community when we did our IDP roadshows last year. It was also listed in the municipality’s tariff charges.
“The problem is that people do not come to meetings. Pay parking was not a new idea. It was previously in place in KwaDukuza with parking meters. However, these meters were vandalised and the municipality decided to stop.
“The idea came about as not only a revenue-generating scheme but also as a way to improve security. It was discussed at the 2016 lekgotla where all councillors were present and it was passed in council.”
Mthembu said councillors were fully aware of the system.
“Do you really believe that a decision will be passed in council without the councillors knowing?
“Those councillors failed to do their duties and notify the public and we must ask if they are properly representing the people.They make a decision in council and then act as heroes when there is a public outcry.”
However, DA Ward 22 and Exco councillor Malcolm Hubner said that IDP road shows were unsuccessful in the Ballito wards and insisted the parking issue was never resolved in council.
“The lekgotla is basically a plan for the five-year term. There are no resolutions made but mostly ideas.
"We are confident that the system will improve our town" #KDMpayparking
— KwaDukuza Municipality (@KwaDukuza_LM) November 14, 2017
“I would like to know when this item was resolved in council as the municipality has still not supplied us with dates and a resolution number.
“The IDP road show in all the Ballito and Salt Rock wards did not happen. In the first attempt, the deputy mayor Dolly Govender showed up but the public did not. In the second attempt, only two officials from KDM showed up. The fact is that the public was not properly consulted or notified.”
The municipality is considering making concessions for long-term employees, where they could get a percentage deduction.
However, they have made it clear that supplying parking to employees is not their responsibility.
KDM will be holding a meeting for businesses to discuss their concerns at the council chambers this Thursday at 2pm.
[INVITE]: An opportunity for local business community to engage with His Worship the Mayor. Thursday 16 Nov at 2:00PM (Council Chambers)
— KwaDukuza Municipality (@KwaDukuza_LM) November 15, 2017
>> Ready to say ‘I Do’ on the Dolphin Coast? Meet the team ready to advise, help and deliver on your big day.
>> Visit our Education feature for a collection of all the best schools, tutoring systems, and even some colleges and training facilities on the North Coast.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
