Mt Argus residents, Nalen Pillay, Rudy Nagel and Faatima Campanini are concerned about a possible land invasion taking place behind their properties.
RESIDENTS of uMgeni Park fear they may be victims of a land invasion. They say the eMgodini settlement situated within the Briardene Informal Settlement is expanding with a number of houses being built directly behind their homes on Mt Argus Road. The ‘expansion’ of shacks in the land behind their home has also raised fears of an increase in crime. Some residents have already had tussles with intruders attempting to steal items.
Northglen News recently met with several disgruntled residents who say the City’s Land Invasion Unit should be doing more to stop the invasions. Resident, Rudy Nagel said he can clearly see squatters putting up informal dwellings from his home.
“There’s a number of problems. A few months ago, my partner and I had to fight off an intruder who got into our house. I’m concerned there might be a spike in crime. There is a shebeen down in the settlement which blares loud music every night and it’s affecting our sleep. The squatters also burn their rubbish and there are quite a number of children in the settlement, what if the fire spreads? It could be disastrous for them. I’ve also seen several men cutting down trees and coming closer to our properties to find tools to build the shacks.
One of the shacks that has been built. Residents say the informal settlers are moving up the slope to build their homes.
“The vegetation on the hill we are on is being cleared and the slope is being modified for building, which has already caused one landslide and may cause more if allowed to continue. This is a big concern for us as it already caused damage to and poses a real threat to our property and security. Property devaluation is also a concern. We have taken additional security measures to stop the spread but what we would like is the City to set-up a buffer zone – the land between us and the settlement needs to be secured. If that doesn’t happen I fear an increase. The settlers will increase the size of their land invasion,” he said.
Durban North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley said urged residents to report the incidents the Land Invasion Unit on 031 311 4220 during office hours and 031 311 4699 or 0313610000 after hours.
