Two years and no answer to application for community garden
were told that a businessman had sought approval to place a container on the plot.
The businessman, Sharid Jiawan, said he would not continue with his business if residents were unhappy. His intention was to seek a trading permit for traders to operate. Some residents agreed, others had not.
“I will withdraw my application because residents are not happy, and (the) council should give residents first preference.”
Oodith believes now that one obstacle is out of the way, the city has no choice but to consider their application.
“On a regular basis I have workers on site to maintain the land and take the dirt to DSW (in) Caneside. I believe that if residents are allowed to maintain the land, the area would be much safer. The only setback for us is the time the municipality is taking to get back to us about the approval.
“I have offered to buy or lease the area, but there is no response. The city wants us to take back our community, but (officials) are not giving us the opportunity to do so,” he said.
Vani Ganess, who has adopted a piece of land in the same road, said it was important that vacant plots were maintained.
A Parks and Recreation representative was at the site when City Watch visited this week. She told residents that she would look into their proposals. However, she told them that the matter would only be attended to once another case in the road was finalised.
Head of communications for the council, Tozi Mthethwa, urged residents to continue reporting illegal dumping to 031 311 8804 and be responsible for the environment by not littering.