The DA strongly opposes the proposed application to establish a bingo hall with 150 electronic bingo terminals and 30 limited pay-out machines on Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga.
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The DA strongly opposes the proposed application to establish a bingo hall with 150 electronic bingo terminals and 30 limited pay-out machines on Lagoon Drive, uMhlanga.
While eThekwini 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.
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.
We maintain that the scale of community opposition reflects a clear lack of social licence for this development and remains committed to ensuring that the voices of residents and stakeholders are heard.
BRADLEY SINGH
DA Ward 35 Councillor