Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2016-01-19
The construction of a masjid in Knysna in the Cape Peninsula has been abruptly put on hold following an appeal by the Knysna Rate Payers Association (KRA).
KRA lodged the application in the Western Cape High Court last week arguing the Muslim prayer facility would contravene several municipal bylaws.
The Knysna Muslim Council (KMC) received approval to rezone and develop the property from the municipality last year but residents on Rawson Street in the town objected to the construction of the masjid and opposed the ruling.
KMC Chairperson Omar Essa says a number of issues have been raised against the building of the masjid from the athaan to the municipality transgressing its own bylaws.
“It includes issues surrounding parking, the size of the masjid, issues surrounding the dome, the minarets, traffic and noise issues.”
Essa says the building plans which started in 2013 were almost complete when the KMC received the application opposing the development.
“The objections started around 2013 already when this project went public, but I can’t say we are surprised now. It’s been three years down the line and I think we’ve heard and read just about all comments.”
He says while KMC has been served with legal by papers, they will wait for the municipality to submit a response to the residents appeal before taking action.
“After that our legal council will be working on our appeal and then we wait for a court date and until such time we are in limbo.”
Essa says the KMC appointed a number of professional service providers, including town planners, architects and heritage specialists to ensure they comply with the regulations stipulated by legislation and the municipality.
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