In the ongoing battle between housing developers and residents fighting to save open spaces such as sports fields and recreational facilities in Phoenix, the Durban Metro Police Service (DMPS) stepped in last Wednesday to halt the clearing of a park in Centenary Park.
The intervention came after a complaint about alleged illegal construction. But for long‑time residents, the dispute carries a familiar echo. Years ago, the sale of playlots in the same park was stopped when another developer tried to build there. Now, history may be repeating itself.
“I am very surprised that they would try the same thing again,” said Val Pillay, chairperson of the Centenary Park Civic Association. “But we will not stop until this matter is resolved.”
Durban Metro Police Service communications officer Colonel Boysie Zungu confirmed that Metro Police received a complaint about alleged illegal construction taking place at Ranmoor in Phoenix.
“An incident was reported in the Phoenix area regarding ongoing construction activities within a public park, where heavy machinery was observed conducting earthworks in close proximity to a watercourse and adjacent community facilities, including a crèche,” Zungu said. “When police arrived to investigate, they requested the relevant authorisation and approved plans for the site. These documents were not available on site. Police then instructed the ceasing of work immediately, until the approved plans could be produced and verified. The approved plans were subsequently brought to the police station later, for verification.”
According to Zungu, key observations by officers included: the commencement of construction without visible compliance with required municipal by‑laws; no official project signage displayed; the site not properly cordoned off, posing a safety risk to the public, particularly children in the nearby crèche; and individuals on site failing to produce the necessary approved plans and documentation.
Metro Police were informed about the situation by Action SA councillor Saul Basckin, who was at the site assisting members of the Centenary Park Civic Association.
“As a councillor, I could only assist the civics in the situation they found themselves in,” Basckin said. “There were many by‑laws and requirements that were not met by the developers at the site. I assisted them with where the by‑laws have been broken because it is quite specialised; not everybody knows all the by‑laws.”
A few weeks ago, when residents became aware of the possibility of development, a protest was held at the park. Pillay said residents are concerned about the ongoing sale and development of open spaces in Phoenix without public consultation.
For now, the DMPS has intervened and temporarily halted the construction activities pending verification.
“The matter is currently under review, with relevant departments engaged to confirm the legality of the development, compliance with municipal by‑laws, and environmental and safety requirements,” Zungu said.