Residents have raised concerns about overflow parking between Grosvenor Court and the tourism offices, where taxis and cars have been using a municipal water pipe to wash their vehicles, leaving a large puddle in the area.
In response, DA Ward 26 PR councillor Sharmaine Sewshanker initially installed barriers to block the space. However, these barriers were removed, prompting a meeting with Ward 26 ANC councillor Sibusiso Lushaba, the eThekwini Parks Department, Law Enforcement, and Metro Police.
Sewshanker said that during the meeting, it was decided to secure the area with concrete barriers to prevent tourist buses, taxis, and even police vehicles from being washed there. This decision, however, sparked a disagreement with a local driving school owner who wanted to use the space for learner driver practice. When asked to produce a permit or authorisation letter, the driving school owner was unable to provide one.
Sewshanker stressed that using municipal property requires official approval. “Submitting an application does not automatically grant you the right to use it,” she said. “There is a proper process to follow.”
The area had also become a gathering spot for street people and vagrants. “Since closing off the space, we’ve received positive feedback from residents who feel it is better closed, as a significant amount of municipal water was being wasted,” said Sewshanker.
With the city facing water shortages, closing this area helps conserve resources. Tourist buses had even been parking there, with passengers washing their clothes and hanging them out to dry on the road.She also pointed out that SAPS vehicles had been using the space for washing, which is not acceptable.
Sewshanker urged anyone with permission to use the space to come forward with proof of their entitlement.
The concrete barriers are now in place, and the area has officially been closed off by the eThekwini Transport Authority.
