ACCESS CONTROL
Fenced-off area divides residents
AN ACCESS controlled fence and gate that has been erected to close off Longbridge Walk in Phoenix has sparked controversy between the ratepayers’ association and residents who are accused of violating the by-laws.
Eight families were said to have contributed to buying a fence and a small gate to close Longbridge Walk, which is a public road, without municipal approval or consulting the association.
Residents were livid, accusing them of creating “their private estate” on the municipal road.
The gate remains locked and only the eight families had the keys to it.
Hundreds of the association’s members have signed a petition to have the fence removed immediately as they believed it was illegal and in contravention of the by-laws.
The issue has caused serious tension between the residents and the eight families who live in isolation.
Roberts Beharilal, chairperson of Stonebridge Civic and Ratepayers’ Association, said he had lodged the complaints about the illegal road closure with ethekwini Municipality soon after the gate had been erected.
In response to his complaint, Yogen Pillay, a municipal road division inspector, admitted that residents had encroached into the municipal property and had blocked access to the general public.
“I have advised ward councillors that what he has done is illegal and must be removed with immediate effect. The councillors’ assistant did mention that law enforcement has visited the site and they were going to issue a fine.
“If they do not comply after the fine is issued, further steps can be taken such as increasing their property rates,” he wrote in an email response.
However, Beharilal said it was frustrating that no action had been taken, instead, there was further violation of the by-laws as more municipal land has been fenced-off.
“This road was used by residents, scholars and meter readers for the past 42 years. New houses were built in the parking lot, they encroached onto the public space closing it. Now they have illegally fenced the road. The northern end of the road is also fenced and they want to install an illegal boom gate. Inspectors have been here, we want this road to re-open immediately as it affects the residents.”
Ayoob Mulla, who is among the eight families at the forefront in installing the fence, said they had obtained the approval from the municipality through adopt-a-spot programmes which encourage residents to look after public spaces.
He said the landscaping of the neighbourhood had improved and crime had decreased since the access road to the area had been restricted.
“I don’t understand the fuss about our initiative because everyone in the neighbourhood is happy for what we have done. Previously, we had a problem with litter and petty crime.
“We adopted this spot. I have papers in my possession from DSW and the Road Department which permitted us,” he said.
Mulla provided an e-mail he had received from Pillay which stated the eight families were within their right to close the road as they had obtained an approved adopt-a-spot application.
ethekwini Municipality had not responded by the time of going to print.