Residents in Ward 31 are urging local councillors to expedite service delivery as they express growing concerns over deteriorating conditions in their community. Many residents claim that the area is in a state of disarray, exacerbated by an influx of vagrants who have reportedly moved from Albert Park in the CBD to Overport after eThekwini Municipality and KZN Premier Thami Ntuli enforced measures to clear the park.
One resident, speaking to The Springfield Weekly Gazette, stated, “As residents, we have brought the issues we face as a community to both Democratic Alliance Councillor Remona McKenzie and Active Citizens Coalition President Imtiaz Syed, but nothing has been done. We feel our voices are going unheard.”
Local business owners are also expressing frustration, noting that the increased presence of vagrants has deterred customers and negatively impacted their trade. “I’ve had to adjust my business hours because I don’t feel safe operating late in the evening,” shared one shop owner. Another resident added, “This community needs to feel safe again, and we need more support from our local leaders.”
Safety concerns are further heightened by residents’ claims of insufficient police presence, which they believe has allowed criminal activity to thrive. One resident remarked, “Even the police do not seem to be paying attention, as there is a suspected drug dealer selling substances from a container in one of the corners of the Overport area, which has been reported. We need more regular patrols to restore safety in our neighbourhood.”
In addition to safety issues, residents lament the poor state of local infrastructure. “Our streets are full of rubble from contractors who come into the area to fix a burst pipe or do work on the road and leave the rubble on the side of the road. If water is not running down a street, we do not have water, and it takes two to three days for the problem to be fixed,” another resident explained. This has led to significant frustration, with many residents enduring prolonged periods without essential services.
“We cannot sit back and accept this situation. We need to organise and make our concerns known. A lot of intervention is needed from the councillors who made promises during election time. It’s time they remember their commitments to us and start delivering the services we were promised,” one resident concluded.
Both Councillor McKenzie and Councillor Syed were contacted for comments. Councillor Syed acknowledged that Ward 31 has seen incremental deterioration over the past six years, but he attributed part of the problem to residents who support vagrants. “Vagrants are a major issue in our area, and through our Community Policing Forum (CPF) platforms and every opportunity we get, we have been advising residents not to support vagrants by donating and handing out cash at traffic lights,” he stated, emphasising the need for a solution to the vagrancy issue.
Ward 31 Councillor Remona McKenzie emphasised that vagrancy is a societal issue that goes beyond the ward’s boundaries and requires a collective approach. “Addressing vagrancy is not solely the councillor’s responsibility; it needs a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders, including the community, Metro SAPS, Safer Cities, and the Community Policing Forum,” McKenzie stated. She highlighted that no law prevents people from walking up and down the streets and noted that some residents contribute to the problem by giving money and food to vagrants. “The vagrants will not leave our ward if they continue receiving food and money,” McKenzie explained.
Furthermore, McKenzie reiterated that all issues raised by residents are forwarded to the relevant units, but these units often report being under-resourced and lacking the necessary tools to be effective. She also pointed out that SAPS is not a municipal mandate and encouraged residents to work together with the CPF to find ways to address serious issues in the area.
To tackle issues like vagrancy, McKenzie encouraged residents to attend “war room” meetings where these matters are discussed with relevant stakeholders.
Regarding complaints about rubble left by contractors, McKenzie confirmed that these issues are reported, though action can sometimes be delayed. “Political factors may influence this, but reports have been submitted to the appropriate municipal departments,” she said.
McKenzie also mentioned her active involvement in ward operations, including efforts to address illegally occupied and hijacked buildings. She urged residents and businesses to attend the upcoming war room meeting to stay informed about these initiatives and contribute to solutions. “We will be holding a meeting soon, and residents and business owners are encouraged to attend,” McKenzie concluded.
To report service delivery issues contact eThekwini’s toll free number 080 1313 013 email: eservices@durban.gov.za or download the eThekwini App on Google Playstore.
