Ward 35 Public Feedback Meeting – 15 October ‘24 – Key Takeaways
The recent Ward 35 Public Feedback Meeting saw a strong turnout, with URRA Executives in attendance. We encourage all residents to participate in these meetings, as a united community presence helps ensure that local issues are prioritized when department managers report back.
At the meeting, residents highlighted the following key concerns:
Prioritizing Infrastructure Before New Development
Recent rainstorms have caused significant flooding and road damage in La Lucia and Umhlanga. Many of these issues could be mitigated with well-planned infrastructure and regular maintenance.
Residents are concerned that new developments are proceeding without the necessary infrastructure in place. We are calling for a more responsible approach – ensuring that roads, drainage, and essential services are properly established before further construction takes place.
Addressing Traffic, Noise, and Essential Services
Traffic safety, noise disturbances, and excessive vehicle noise remain key concerns for our community. We are engaging with the new mayor to find solutions and improve enforcement where needed.
Additionally, we are advocating for increased funding for parks, as well as improved management of water and sewage services to ensure accountability and efficiency. These essential services are vital for maintaining a high quality of life for all residents.
By working together, we can create a well-managed and livable community.
Water & Sewage
URRA executives continue to engage with various stakeholders, including the Minister of Public Works, the Deputy Minister of Water, Olivia Simcox from Blue Flag, and the UPL Water Use Stakeholder Group. These meetings provide important updates on water conditions in the oHlanga River, estuary, and surrounding areas. Current concerns are focused on nearby pump stations and E. coli levels, rather than chemical contamination from UPL.
Infrastructure Challenges in La Lucia
Persistent issues with the Armstrong Avenue and Shelbourne Pump Stations—along with ongoing leaks in the rising mains—remain a significant challenge. Additionally, the long-overdue renovation of the Ridge Road underpass beneath the M4, intended to address flooding, has faced repeated setbacks. This has raised concerns among residents about the project’s execution and overall quality.
The presence of raw sewage in nearby waterways has made the area unpleasant and unsafe, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.
Community Expertise Driving Solutions
On a positive note, our community has a wealth of expertise. A group of local engineers has joined URRA to help monitor these issues, ensuring that we have informed oversight and a stronger voice in addressing these challenges.
By staying engaged and working together, we can drive meaningful improvements for our community.
Ensuring Transparent and Inclusive Development
While there is broad agreement on the need for development, residents are increasingly frustrated by the lack of transparency and public engagement in the planning process. Concerns have been raised about important development plans being released for public objection during the holiday period, making it difficult for the community to respond effectively.
We are calling for clear, early communication on all major projects to ensure residents have sufficient time to review and provide input. Meaningful public engagement is essential to ensuring responsible and sustainable development in our area.
Taxi & Bus Depot in Autumn Drive, Parkside
Umhlanga residents recently came together in large numbers to demand a meeting with eThekwini, convened by Ward Councillor Singh. More than 300 people attended and submitted objection letters, highlighting growing concerns about development decisions being made without adequate public consultation.
For over two years, residents have been advocating for proper public transport facilities in Umhlanga. A site in Cornubia, which was widely considered more suitable, was under discussion with stakeholders—yet another location was approved without meaningful consultation.
Employers recognize the need for safe, well-planned transport facilities for their staff. Commuting should not be a daily struggle, and infrastructure decisions must consider both accessibility and the impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Many homeowners, including first-time buyers, are concerned about the potential effect on property values and quality of life.
Infrastructure Must Keep Pace with Development
The Ferfam/Black Brick site is zoned for development, but residents argue that historical zoning rights do not account for current realities—particularly infrastructure constraints. Sewage overflows remain a serious issue, and existing developments must be adequately serviced before additional large-scale projects move forward. Without responsible planning, we risk overwhelming critical infrastructure.
Striking the Right Balance
The community supports development—but not at the expense of residents or the environment. The recent success of the Gekko Conservancy in Kyalami underscores the importance of constitutional rights and fair processes. Development should benefit all stakeholders, not just developers and municipal authorities. A balanced, transparent approach is key to sustainable growth.
Collaborating for Safer Roads in Umhlanga
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), one of the leading taxi associations serving greater Umhlanga, recently held a meeting on 28 November in Phoenix. Representatives from Metro Police, URRA (Chairman Terri MacLarty and committee members Jacques Poupard and Lesley Phillips), Ward 35 Councillor Bradley Singh, and Ward Committee Member Sagren Pillay who assists Councillor Singh with the Portfolio of Transport, Roads and Stormwater, were invited to attend and present concerns about road safety and dangerous driving practices in the area.
During the meeting, we emphasized the importance of working together, recognizing that taxis play a crucial role in the community’s transport network. However, we also stressed the need for stronger accountability and enforcement. We made it clear that reckless driving, including speeding, excessive hooting, and running red lights, poses a serious risk to passengers and other road users. To address this, we urged SANTACO to take responsibility for ensuring their drivers adhere to road laws.
In response, SANTACO has taken these concerns seriously and has committed to establishing a dedicated forum of senior representatives from all taxi associations operating in Umhlanga, particularly along Umhlanga Rocks Drive, where traffic concerns are most pressing. This will enable ongoing discussions and solutions-focused engagement.
This is a positive step forward, and we will continue advocating for stricter enforcement, including arrests and vehicle impoundments where necessary. By maintaining open communication with taxi associations and authorities, we are hopeful that real improvements can be made. We will keep our members updated on further developments.
Public Disturbance & Noise
URRA executives are working closely with SAPS, who now recognize the seriousness of this issue and have committed to enforcing the law against those who repeatedly violate it.
In collaboration with some of our corporate members, we are developing a structured reporting system to log disturbances with SAPS. This initiative aims to establish a clear evidentiary trail, enabling authorities to take action against repeat offenders and pursue prosecutions where necessary.
We will continue to work towards effective solutions and keep residents informed of progress in this area.
URRA Festive Market
URRA recently hosted its annual Festive Market, an event that continues to grow each year. We extend our sincere thanks to Umhlanga Centre on Ridge Road for generously providing the use of their parking area, which allowed us to expand the market and enhance the festive atmosphere.
We appreciate the community’s support and look forward to making next year’s event even more special!
SAPS Imbizo – 26 February 2025, 18:30
St Michaels Church Hall, Umhlanga
Imbizo – A gathering called by a traditional leader or government to discuss important issues with the community.
The Umhlanga Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (URRA) Committee attended the SAPS Imbizo to engage with law enforcement on key community concerns. Representing URRA were our Chair, CPF Liaison, and three other committee members.
SAPS representatives from Durban North Police Station, covering North Durban, led the meeting. Officers included Lieutenant Colonel Pam Nair (Visible Policing Commander), Lieutenant Colonel Wimpy Lombard (Detective Branch Commander), Captain Tracy Mey (CIMAC), and Colonel Jericho Nkomo (Station Commander). Section Two & Three Commanders were also present. The meeting provided a platform for residents to voice concerns and receive SAPS updates.
A major issue discussed was the increasing presence of homeless individuals in green spaces, often linked to break-ins and opportunistic crimes. SAPS urged residents to secure their properties and report all incidents, no matter how minor, as tracking crime trends helps justify additional policing resources. Addressing homelessness is ultimately the responsibility of the Department of Social Development, and SAPS encouraged collaboration with NGOs while advocating against direct handouts.
Reckless driving, particularly luxury vehicles speeding without number plates, was another concern. SAPS has impounded unregistered vehicles and is working with dealerships to ensure proper identification on sales. While residents called for more police visibility, SAPS resources have not kept up with Umhlanga’s growth. URRA is actively engaging with Metro Police to address this issue. Lieutenant Colonel Basi, the SAPS-Metro Liaison Officer, attended the meeting to discuss possible solutions.
Illegal drug use, including the proliferation of ‘legal’ cannabis outlets, was also raised. SAPS recently conducted raids, leading to significant confiscations, and continues to monitor illegal activity. Another concern was the visible presence of firearms carried by private security personnel, affecting both residents and tourism. SAPS assured attendees they respond promptly to such reports.
URRA remains committed to collaborating with law enforcement and municipal authorities to enhance safety and quality of life. A strong residents’ association is essential for maintaining property values and a secure community. We appreciate ongoing community engagement and will continue advocating for practical solutions.
The ratepayer movement is about ordinary South Africans coming together to advocate for honest, effective local governance. By standing united, we can drive real change in our communities.
Get Involved – Membership Options
✅ Household Membership – Just R50 per month helps support our efforts. Encourage your complex to join! If you’re a Body Corporate Trustee, start the conversation with owners and residents—many complexes have already signed up.
✅ Corporate Membership – Speak to your employer, or if you’re a business owner, consider taking out a corporate membership to invest in a well-run community.
Together, we can build a stronger, more accountable neighborhood. Let’s keep moving forward!
