Municipality fails to implement by-laws
Despite the clarity of the town’s by-laws, the municipality has failed to implement it at the illegal car washes and taxi stops in town
Since the beginning of April, Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality has avoided explaining why it has failed to implement the town’s by-laws when it comes to the illegal taxi stops and car washes in the central business district (CBD).
Week after week, the communication unit is reminded that feedback is required about what steps the municipality has taken or will be taking to intervene. Each week, the request is ignored… much like implementing the by-laws that forbid this practice.
The Public Transport By-Law, in relation to ‘stops and holding areas’, states that ‘a driver of a public transport vehicle may park a metered taxi, minibus taxi or bus only at a special parking place or holding area designated for that type of vehicle; and pick up or drop off passengers only at a rank, special parking place or a stop designated for that type of vehicle’.
When it comes to the washing of vehicles, the by-laws state the following: ‘Washing and servicing vehicles at public transport facilities – No person may undertake any repair or maintenance on a motor vehicle at a public transport facility; or wash any motor vehicle at a public transport facility, except at a wash bay at the facility that has been designated for this purpose’.
Sensing the municipality’s reluctance to implement these by-laws, the individuals who are contravening the laws have used it to their advantage.
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The illegal car washes at the bottom of Harding Street and outside the bowling club have also extended their services to washing private vehicles at the roadside, utilising the steady supply of free water.
uThukela District Municipality has said that in order to stop the leak at the bottom of Harding Street, staff would have to dig up the entire pipeline, which would cause water interruptions.
Meanwhile, residents and business owners in the affected areas continue to remain silent to avoid confrontation with the car wash operators.
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