Residents and ratepayers associations in wards 31 and 25 have voiced strong objections to the proposed Jadhu Place Urban Subsidised Housing Project, following eThekwini Municipality’s initiative to formalise the current informal settlement as part of its Slum Removal Programme.
The application for the project includes the consolidation and subdivision of land, rezoning, road closures, and the removal of restrictive conditions to facilitate the construction of the housing development, which will also feature a taxi rank. The site, located in Ward 25, is in an area predominantly made up of residential properties, prompting concerns about the potential impact on the local community.
The total area of the proposed development spans approximately 5.06 hectares across various erven within Ward 25. The development plans include 382 residential erven, 10 community facility erven, 2 conservation erven, 2 taxi rank erven, and 12 road reserves.
According to the proposal, an environmental enquiry was submitted to the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs on 30 November 2020. The department confirmed in April 2021 that the development did not require environmental authorisation under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), as it did not constitute a listed activity.
However, residents and ratepayers have raised concerns, particularly regarding the proposed taxi rank. While they agree that the development of subsidised housing is needed, many fear the taxi rank will have negative effects on property values, infrastructure, community safety, and the environment.
Abdool Valodia, Chairman of the Overport Ratepayers Association, explained: “We are deeply concerned that the taxi rank will hurt property values, strain existing infrastructure, and alter the character of our residential neighbourhood. We also fear it could lead to increased crime and pollution, and result in the loss of green spaces.”
Dr Annie Singh, Chairperson of the Asherville Ratepayers Association, added that although the development is not directly located in Asherville, it will impact the surrounding areas, including Overport, Springfield, and Musgrave. “The taxi rank will likely lead to a decline in property values and affect the overall appearance of the area. Residents are also worried about increased crime and the violation of privacy rights,” she said.
Dr Singh also noted that the Asherville Ratepayers Association has worked to inform residents about the project through WhatsApp groups and a Google Form survey. She emphasised the strength of their collective objection, which has been firmly presented to the municipality.
Carl Lortan, Chairman of the Sydenham Ratepayers Association, expressed similar concerns, particularly regarding the state of Randles Road, which serves as the main access route to the development site. “Randles Road has been declared beyond repair by the Roads Department. With the increase in traffic, it will only deteriorate further. We’ve been waiting for years for road upgrades. A taxi rank on this road, in its current condition, will only worsen the situation,” he said. Lortan called for infrastructure improvements before any development takes place.
The concerned ratepayers associations are urging eThekwini Municipality to reconsider the development plans and explore alternatives that will not negatively impact the community.
Community activist Shahista Gafoor voiced support for the municipality’s efforts to provide dignified homes but echoed concerns raised by residents. She added, “We appreciate the municipality’s goal, but the concerns of residents must be addressed. We are aware that over 200 objections and more than 1,500 signatures have been submitted to eThekwini, and we are awaiting a response. We hope the municipality will reconsider the taxi rank and provide clarity on how revenue from the development will be collected without affecting current residents’ rates.” At the time of publication, eThekwini Municipality had not responded to requests for comment.
