Open letter regarding the misuse of Piesang Valley community centre premises
Plett resident MIKE DE KLERK copied CX-PRESS on this email to Bitou Municipality, saying that the matter had first been raised with the relevant department in March this year – “and in fact, not only has it not been resolved, but it just gets worse by the day”
From the photos above you will notice the Following: on October 8, apart from the driving school continuing with its illegal activity, a delivery truck from Anton le Roux Vervoer was sent to the community hall parking lot by Plett Agri, as they were not prepared to accept the delivery due to late arrival. This was confirmed by the driver.
I took several photos to show that this truck used the premises as an overnight stop, which the community centre is definitely not zoned for, or have the required facilities to accommodate this activity.
On the morning of October 8, the regular buses from Oakhill School in Knysna arrived to collect the kids, which they have done for the past 15 years without any problem.
However, the driver of the truck decided to move his truck while the children were being dropped off by their parents. We will not even discuss the risk that this activity created.
Later on the same morning, the driving school was still continuing their activity as per the photo included at right.
Bitou Municipality has a responsibility to ensure that the property is used for the purpose it is zoned for. If residents allowed their properties to be used for a purpose that it is not zoned for, the municipality should take action immediately.
The municipality, just as any private property owner, has a responsibility to ensure that its properties adhere to the zoning restrictions.
If this matter is not properly addressed, we may as well allow any company to operate their business from the community centre premises.
I appreciate it that you have allocated an area at the testing grounds for the driving school guys. They should not be allowed to continue ignoring the municipality’s instruction. They are in fact breaking the law. (Previous correspondence on this subject, spanning several months and including other ward councillors as recipients, can be perused by interested parties. Email editor@cxpress. eo.za – Eds.)
Source: CX-press News