Good day,

We, the residents of Pardy Road, Isipingo Hills (Ward 90, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa), hereby lodge a formal complaint and petition regarding the illegal and dangerous operation of a scrapyard at 55 Pardy Road, Isipingo Hills, 4133.

This property is being used for the collection, storage, and resale of scrap materials (plastics and cardboard). Such an operation is prohibited in a residential zone and has created severe health hazards, fire risks, noise disturbances, and security threats for the community.

We outline our concerns below:

1. Zoning & Legal Contraventions

The Ethekwini Town Planning Scheme and Municipal Systems Act (No. 32 of 2000) classify scrapyards as industrial operations.

Pardy Road is zoned residential (with limited commercial rights). Operating a scrapyard here is illegal.

The operator does not hold special consent, zoning approval, or a business license required for such an activity.

2. Health & Environmental Risks

The storage of cardboard and plastics has led to infestations of rats, mice, cockroaches, and flies, creating a serious public health hazard.

Under the National Health Act (61 of 2003), municipalities must ensure that residents are not exposed to health-endangering conditions.

There is no pest control certification on record for this property.

Such infestations raise risks of diseases spreading in the community, especially affecting children and the elderly.

3. Fire & Safety Hazards

Plastics and cardboard are highly combustible, yet there are no fire extinguishers, hydrants, or fire safety systems at the property.

The property has no Certificate of Occupancy (CoC) or Health & Safety Compliance Certificate for industrial activity.

Under the Occupational Health & Safety Act (85 of 1993), businesses handling flammable materials must have fire clearance and firefighting equipment.

A fire at this scrapyard would spread rapidly to neighboring homes, risking loss of life and property.

4. Noise, Public Nuisance & Security Threats

Residents are disturbed by late-night operations, with people pushing trolleys and selling scrap materials at odd hours.

This violates the Ethekwini Noise Control By-Law (2019), which protects residential neighborhoods from disruption.

The influx of strangers at night increases crime and security risks, with individuals scanning properties, digging in bins, and loitering in the area.

5. Lack of Certifications

The scrapyard is operating without legal compliance. It does not hold:

A Business License for scrapyard operations.

A Health & Safety Certificate.

A Pest Control Certificate.

A Fire Safety Certificate.

A Certificate of Occupancy for industrial use.

6. Community Impact

Families, including children and the elderly, are losing sleep and peace of mind.

Property values in the area are being negatively affected.

The community is being forced to live in conditions of noise, insecurity, dirt, and health hazards.

Our Request & Proposed Solution

We, the residents of Pardy Road, Request and demand the following urgent action:

Ethekwini Municipality to conduct a zoning and compliance investigation at 55 Pardy Road urgently.

Metro Police to enforce all by-law contraventions related to nuisance, noise, and zoning.

Health & Safety Department to conduct a full inspection for compliance with health, pest control, and fire regulations.

The scrapyard to be shut down or relocated immediately to a designated industrial or commercial zone, where such operations are legal and regulated.

Enforcement of zoning laws to protect residents from future violations of this nature.

Conclusion

It is illegal, unethical, and unsafe for a scrapyard to operate in a residential neighborhood. This operation endangers the health, safety, and wellbeing of all residents of Pardy Road.

We hereby submit this petition, signed by residents of Pardy Road, Ward 90, calling on Ethekwini Municipality, Metro Police, and the Health & Safety Department to take urgent enforcement action.

Also for the disturbance of trolleys used by the scrapyard which affects the residents sleep and peace.