The Democratic Alliance has called on Emthanjeni Municipal Manager, Disang Molaole, to urgently investigate the alleged unlawful closure of a public passageway in Sunrise, De Aar.
Residents in Leeubekkie Street have erected fencing across a passageway used by the community to move between streets. This restricts access and forces pedestrians to take longer, potentially less safe routes. The obstruction is also affecting local businesses by diverting customers away from their usual routes and nearby shops.
The fencing off of passageways to extend private properties is a serious concern. Public access routes cannot simply be blocked for private gain.
I have repeatedly raised this matter with the municipal director and was assured that it would be investigated. However, the matter remains unresolved.
This is very concerning because without urgent intervention, more passageways in Sunrise could be blocked, further inconveniencing residents, harming local businesses and fuelling lawlessness and chaos.
I have called on Mr Molaole to arrange an urgent site inspection, verify the relevant land records and establish whether the fencing was lawfully erected. If the obstruction is found to be unlawful, the municipality must take the necessary legal steps to restore access and prevent similar incidents.
Residents should not have to accept restricted access to their neighbourhood, and local businesses should not suffer because others unlawfully take over public passageways for their own benefit.
The DA expects the municipality to act without further delay, enforce the law fairly and stop this practice from spreading across Sunrise.
On 4 November, residents have an opportunity to vote for the DA. We are committed to ending municipal chaos and getting De Aar working for everyone.