The Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality (EMM) has taken legal action against the owner of an enormous billboard erected at Gillooly’s Farm 18 months ago. According to the EMM, there is no lease agreement between the metro and the owner and the billboard exceeds the approved size.
Ward 20 councillor Jill Humphreys said the owner of the billboard was granted permission to erect the advertising structure but there were alleged discrepancies in the lease agreement.
“The Ekurhuleni real estate and legal departments have instituted a court interdict against the owner, but there has been a delay in securing a court date.
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“The monstrous board is illegal and is a huge distraction because it directly faces the Gillooly’s interchange. It’s also a direct contravention of the bylaw that stipulates that no billboards are allowed at parks,” explained Humphreys.
EMM spokesperson Themba Gadebe confirmed that the owner’s application had been approved by the municipality but would not comment on the legal action being taken as the matter is sub judice, he said.
“The EMM approved the application to erect an advertising structure on Portion 988 of the Farm Elandsfontein 90-IR, known as Gillooly’s Farm. The city is proceeding with legal action against the owner of the billboard because he does not have approval from the council for a billboard which exceeds the size prescribed in the policy. There is also no lease agreement between the city and the owner,” pointed out Gadebe.
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According to Gadebe, anyone who wants to apply for permission to display an advertising sign on private premises or on municipal premises, must submit an application to the EMM for consideration. The municipality will conclude the application within 80 days and the outcome will then be communicated to the applicant in the form of a letter.
Gadebe said that the EMM by-laws for billboards and advertising must be adhered to.
“Billboards can be put up and be made visible from any public place within the area of jurisdiction of the city as long as these comply with the requirements as prescribed by the EMM by-laws.”
