Sarnia Road: Residents Question City's Response to Alleged Illegal Truck Depot

Sarnia Road: Residents Reject City’s Proposed Rates Increase

Residents want illegal land use stopped, not simply charged at a higher rate.

DURBAN, South Africa — Residents of Bellair and Seaview are questioning eThekwini Municipality’s response to the alleged illegal truck depot at 710/712 Sarnia Road.

In an email dated 5 November 2026, Claire Norton confirmed that a report concerning the properties had been presented to the Joint Advisory Committee on 3 November. The City now intends to recommend that the properties be moved into its Illegal Land Use rates category, subject to further approval.

Norton wrote:

“A recommendation to increase the rates to that of an Illegal Land Use will be now be made to our Director…”

*eThekwini’s response outlining its proposed rates adjustment.*

Residents are not satisfied. Nisha Madaree of the Concerned Rates Group challenged the proposal, stating:

“An increased rates category is not enforcement nor does it resolve the ongoing impact on residents.”

*Residents reject the proposed rates adjustment as a solution to the illegal operation.*

In a separate response to Norton, another resident questioned the City’s priorities, stating:

“The City’s approach raises serious questions about whether revenue has become more important than fulfilling its mandate.”

The response also raised concerns about possible improper influence or bribery, questioning whether this could be playing a role in the apparent lack of enforcement.

The growing concern is that illegal land use could effectively become another cost of doing business, while the operation continues and the neighbourhood deteriorates. Residents are increasingly questioning whether the City’s Illegal Land Use policy is being used to accommodate unlawful operations rather than bring them to an end.

A higher rates charge is not the outcome residents have been demanding. They want enforcement, accountability and an end to the illegal operation. The City must explain what action it intends to take and why the existing contravention has not been visibly resolved.

Enough is enough. Residents have not given up on this matter, and the petition remains open: STOP THE INDUSTRIALISATION OF OUR RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOOD.