In the past, many people living in informal settlements have had to watch their homes being destroyed because, according to municipality, they were erected illegally.
“In order to ensure that buildings and structures in Ekurhuleni comply to the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (Act No. 103 of 1977), as amended, it is necessary that illegal buildings and structures be demolished as per court orders issued by the South Gauteng High Court, and in terms of the provisions of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103, 1977, as amended,” explains Modiba.
He says the directive of the municipality includes ensuring that buildings are in compliance with the National Building Regulation and Building Standards Act (Act No. 103 of 1977), as well as ensuring that buildings constructed conform with the provisions of the Act.
“Section frour of the Act provides for the approval of the construction of buildings and structures by a municipality,” says Modiba.
He encourages residents to monitor and rectify deviations or illegal constructions to avoid action being taken against them.
“The department conducts inspections on a daily basis and when irregularities and illegal building work with constructed building are detected, prescribed contravention notices are issued to the owners with instructions to rectify the situation.
“If property owners do not comply with contravention notices issued, legal proceedings are instituted against them, which result into a court order to rectify and, or, alternatively demolish the illegal building structure,” says Modiba.
He adds that after illegal structures are demolished, municipality may recover demolition cost from the property owner through available avenues once the metro is in possession of the necessary court orders to act.
The metro has, at present, 18 court orders for demolitions, which will be expected to be finalised no later than June 30, 2014.
He adds that in order to create a healthy and safe environment for communities within Ekurhuleni, compliance to the provisions of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103, 1977, as amended, is a priority.
Members of the public may report any illegal structures to Baby-Girl Chuena on 011 999 4571.
