Residents of uMhlanga are rallying against a newly approved bingo hall.
Image: Gerry Cupido / Gemini
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Durban has added its voice to the growing opposition from uMhlanga residents to a proposed bingo hall in the suburb.
It was recently reported by the Sunday Tribune that the eThekwini Municipality had approved the establishment of a gambling facility at 4 Lagoon Drive in Umhlanga Rocks. Residents are seeking to appeal this decision.
The Mercury reported late last year that residents objected to the bingo hall, fearing it would tarnish the upmarket suburb’s image as a major tourism drawcard.
DA ward 35 councillor Bradley Singh said on Sunday that the party strongly opposes the proposed application to establish a bingo hall with 150 electronic bingo terminals and 30 limited payout machines on Lagoon Drive.
He added that while the municipality’s Development Planning Unit has issued a decision recommending approval, the DA believes this development is inconsistent with the long-term interests of the Umhlanga community.
“A high-intensity gambling facility of this scale undermines Umhlanga Rocks’ established identity as a family-oriented, upmarket residential and tourism destination. It also risks attracting opportunistic crime, which would erode the safety and security efforts of residents and businesses.
“The proposed development will further exacerbate traffic congestion on Lagoon Drive, an area already under significant pressure. Existing infrastructure is not equipped to support this level of intensified land use,” Singh said.
He added that residents have raised legitimate concerns that the proximity of a gambling facility will negatively affect the desirability of the area and place downward pressure on property values.
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