Complaints against the Tshwane Council concerning unfairness or bias when dealing with residents, has once more come to the attention of the Laudium Sun.
A number of residents have in the past complained about poor service delivery in the Laudium/Erasmia area, compared to that in former white suburbs. Residents say that issues such as the constant water supply problems, the illegal conversion of houses to businesses, the allowing of ‘beggars’ to freely hassle residents at almost every corner, the unkempt grass on sidewalks, and the influx of nyaopes into the area, are just some of the many complaints, that the Council is turning a blind eye to in the area, which residents say the council will never allow in nearby areas such as Eldoraigne, Lyttleton or Wierdabrug. Concerning Laudium, a number of residents claim that there is favouritism or even underhandedness, concerning the enforcement of by-laws.
Recently, resident Tahir Ismail of Bengal Str, complained to the Laudium Sun about the continuation of a recycle business near the Laudium Cemetery, despite assurances months back from the Ward Councillor that action is being taken to close the business. Tahir added, “What I find very unfair is that the Councillor was quick to report in the Laudium Sun, a few months back, that a similar recycle business on Emerald Street was shut down by council inspectors as the tenant was operating a business on a residential property, yet this woman, Poppy, on Brown Str, has been operating a recycle business for years from there, which is also a residential property and what is worse, she is causing a nuisance in the neighbourhood and to those visiting the cemetery. To add insult to injury, I was totally flabbergasted to notice when I went to the cemetery on Monday, that the same woman of the recycle business is now even illegally occupying the passage way opposite her, to further her business. She has containers there and even closed the area with gates, making it her private property. This passage way was used by residents and workers in the area to get to Laudium Ext 2 & 3. Even if it was not needed, how can the Councillor allow a public property to be hijacked like this? I would like your paper to find out what measures were taken by the Councillor to stop her from closing the public walkway.”
Nearby resident, Nazir Ali Jaffer told the Laudium Sun, “We have long been complaining about this illegal recycling business near our home. Yet, the Councillor and the Council have failed to address our concerns. I am very disappointed.”
In response, the owner of Laudium Recycling Centre, Shaida Ismail (Poppy) said, “The Council took me to court for trading at my place on Brown Str, but the case was thrown out. As far as me occupying the passageway, yes I admit that it is Council property, but Councillor Naeem told me I could use it while I’m waiting for a response to my application to lease or buy the place.”
In response, Cllr Naeem Patel told the Laudium Sun, “I’ve not given anyone permission to use the passageway. How can I? I do not have the authority to do so. I am not sure why the matter of the recycling business being operated in a residential place was thrown out in court. I will have to find out and come back to you.”
