Unscrupulous landlords are erecting illegal housing structures and shacks in Alex and exploiting people desperate for accommodation.
This according to councillor Monde Mbingeleli of Ward 116.
Mbingeleli said the housing problem was rooted in poverty, and the desperation of job seekers and families wanting to live in Alex as it was close to most places of employment.
“Their desperation makes them turn a blind eye when they are exploited through inflated rentals, evictions or crammed in structurally risky buildings with no privacy,” he said.
He added that in some instances, tenants sublet the rooms to others at further inflated rentals, and some were conned out of deposits for rooms that were unavailable.
“It’s a thriving and exploitative business by illegal landlords with some owning several structures, taking advantage of council’s laxity in implementing bylaws.”
Mbingeleli said the illegal structures started mushrooming in 2012 when a contractor that was engaged to demolish existing structures was stopped, purportedly due to an irregularity in the tendering process. “This left the Joburg Metro Police Department with powers to only serve notices and no instrument to demolish the illegal structures,” he said.
“No street is spared from illegal building which take place mostly on weekends, including double storey structures that are built with no approved plans. The structures are then let out immediately after completion, despite the safety risks.”
Details: 082 464 2946.
