Questions Remain Over 710 Sarnia Road as City Stays Silent

DURBAN, South Africa — Questions remain over activities at 710 Sarnia Road in Bellair/Seaview after eThekwini Municipality failed to provide further information on the status of its enforcement process.

The City’s Land Use Management unit previously confirmed that a Contravention Notice had been served regarding what it described as an illegal truck depot. The property owner was given 14 days to respond and cease the illegal land use, with that period expiring around Sept. 15.

Residents have since requested confirmation of the outcome of the notice, whether the land use has ceased, what enforcement action has followed, and what development and land uses are currently authorised at the property.

AMAFA has separately confirmed that it received a demolition proposal on April 30 for existing structures on the property to make way for a new building. Following its heritage assessment and public participation process, AMAFA approved the application, saying it found no heritage reason requiring the existing building to be retained.

However, that response does not resolve the outstanding land-use and municipal enforcement questions.

As of publication on Sept. 24, eThekwini Municipality had not provided further comment or answered the outstanding questions submitted to the City.