On Friday night we were subjected to loud music, screaming and shouting and whistling that echoes across the river making it an unbearable sound on our side.
Repeated calls to the flying squad availed nothing. Eventually around 5am, Durban Central Police told me they were unable to help me as Durban Metro had ordered these ‘out of town’ taxis (MP registrations and others) to leave Durban central and park at Blue Lagoon.
I phoned Metro Police on Saturday morning and complained about the noise. On my 2nd call to Metro on Saturday midday, I was asked to meet with the two officers at Blue Lagoon, which I did. I was horrified at the filth, stench and mess from these taxis. I have attached some photos that I took.
The Metro officers assured me that they would keep patrol on the premises through the night to ensure there was no loud music and noise, especially after the legal limit to play music.
They also told me that this is going to go on indefinitely as the taxis have been told to park at Blue Lagoon. I was told that I would need to contact the Metro Commissioner with my complaint.
Saturday night was no different, if not worse, than Friday night. There was loud music, shouting and whistling right through the night until 4.45am. Just as we were able to fall asleep, it started up again at 6.30am, and carried on into the day.
At one stage during the night, there were more than 100 taxis parked there. Calls to Metro during the night did not help.
As advised by the Metro officers on Saturday, I have sent an email to Commissioner Eugene Nzama this morning and await his response.
This cannot continue. I had less than three hours sleep on Friday and Saturday night. I am also not alone in this matter, we have many residents that feel the same way and are seeking answers.
We hope that you as the media will be able to assist us in putting a stop to Blue Lagoon becoming a weekend ‘Taxi Rank’ where people are allowed to behave however they want without any consideration for others.
Lee Jarrett
Durban North resident
