The Inkatha Freedom Party is deeply concerned about the recent increase in land grabs around eThekwini that sees large tracts of greenery being destroyed by people seeking land to build houses.
We agree as the IFP that there is a dire shortage of houses all over the province and people are becoming impatient after decades of unfulfilled promises by government to provide decent housing. In their desperation for land, people have resorted to occupying any vacant land that they can find and in the process they are destroying nature reserves and much of the greenery around eThekwini. Recently a group of people were busy cutting down trees on a large tract of wooded land on Mary Thiphe Road in Cato Manor. This area is noted for its green environment and lush surroundings and it is extremely sad to see all of this being destroyed. Such incidents are occurring all around the city with no will on the part of the city officials to end such destruction of the environment.
Whilst our country is a signatory to international protocols to protect the environment and prevent global warming, our government appears to lack the will to prevent this wanton destruction of long-established greenbelts around the city. Citizens are often encouraged to plant trees and conserve our natural resources but government is failing in its responsibility to care for the environment.
In the interest of protecting the environment and conserving our natural resources, the IFP urges government to act swiftly to identify land that is suitable for housing as this will stop people from taking matters into their own hands and causing more damage to the environment.
Contact:
Mr Les Govender, MPL, IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Environmental Affairs,
082 448 8787
Date: 22 February 2019
