Illegal informal traders are still high on the agenda of Subcouncil 3. Last week councillors were discussing the delay with the informal trading plan at the Subcouncil 3 meeting when it was again explained how illegal informal traders are ignoring the law.
One such informal trader selling food to students at the entrance to a college in Plattekloof (which forms part of Ward 1) has led to numerous complaints being received from the public.
Shirley Alexander, district area coordinator – area economic development north, said since the last subcouncil meeting not much has changed in Ward 1, adding that they are continuing with monitoring the situation.
Signs should be erected
Cheryl Visser, ward councillor, asked for signs to be erected at some of the difficult locations, such as the college. She said there is currently nothing stopping people from doing it. Visser again said that the trader is “brazen” and that her trading there is not in the best interest of the students. She said she again received several complaints from surrounding residents regarding the issue. Visser also said more help is needed from the informal trading unit and law enforcement, as students are forced to walk in the road, which causes a further danger.
Issue escalated
Alexander said the matter had already been taken up at their management level.
Compliance officers are also currently being trained to help with the matter. Alexander did however point out that the matter is a law enforcement issue, and wanted to know if there are other ways to deal with the trader. Subcouncil chair, Phindile Maxiti, mentioned that Visser had logged numerous complaints already, and asked law enforcement what else can be done.
Law enforcement Inspector Don Bardo said their officers do conduct patrols daily, but that they cannot be there the entire day. He said often the traders are moved away, only to return, a similar issue they experience with taxis and vagrants. The council meeting was held on Thursday 20 April at the municipal building in Milnerton.
