A temporary moratorium on any further development in Louis Trichardt might soon come into effect.

The matter served before the Makhado Municipality’s Executive Committee (EXCO) on Friday, February 15, under the item Essential Services: Temporary Moratorium on Densification: Amendment in Existing Primary Land Use Rights.

In the item it is resolved that, in view of the existing overload on the capacity of the municipality’s water supply scheme, sewer purification and effluent service scheme and the electricity scheme, it be adopted as policy that no new densification applications be approved. This relates to the town-planning scheme which would permit a higher density than the existing primary right; special consent use permission which would permit a higher density than the existing primary right, subdivision of land that would create a second or further dwelling unit on the original lay-out of the township development; subdivision of farmlands where municipal services are required, especially with reference to the demand it would place on electricity supply; and township establishment for residential or other uses that would create a demand on the municipal service schemes.

The proposed moratorium would be effective until such time as the municipal service supply schemes have been upgraded to comply with the demand.

Municipal spokesperson Mr Louis Bobodi said in reaction that although the issue only served before the EXCO and not before Council yet, the resolution should been seen as already approved.