The City of Ekurhuleni has grown concerned about the unapproved outdoor advertisements erected on council-owned land, practically on road verges or road reserves.
The city reminds residents that outdoor advertising must be approved by the municipality before being displayed as required in terms of the billboards and the display of advertisements by-laws.
According to city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, a lot of outdoor advertising takes place across the city without the relevant approval.
Some of it has the potential to endanger the public, property or the environment.
To correct the situation and ensure that outdoor advertising happens within the confines of the by-laws, the city has instituted a process to assess all non-compliant advertising structures erected on council-owned properties or within road reserves under its jurisdiction.
“Owners of illegal outdoor advertising erected on council properties or within road reserves under the local authority’s jurisdiction will be contacted and assisted to obtain municipal approval of compliance with the by-laws, and the conclusion of a formal lease agreement with the City in respect of the advertising sign(s),” explained Dlamini.
“We have acquired the services of a contractor to facilitate this process and to handle new applications.”
The city encourages owners of illegal outdoor advertising signs, who are approached by representatives of the appointed service provider, to cooperate so that the process can move quickly. Non-compliance is punishable by the city.
Any party wanting to apply for a new outdoor advertising sign(s) or to regularise their existing illegal advertising sign(s) on municipal property or within road reserves under its jurisdiction, can use the appointed service provider or submit their application(s) to the city.
A positive outcome of their application(s) is not guaranteed because it depends on compliance with the by-laws.
“We look forward to full cooperation from our stakeholders to ensure we do things by the book,” concluded Dlamini.
Meanwhile, anyone wanting to approach the appointed contractor, SAH Development Managers, for assistance with their application(s) may contact Brendan Vandayar, the SAH development manager, on 010 020 6775, 082 494 5507 or Brendon.vandayar@sah.co.za.
The following regional control officers in the City Planning Department’s outdoor advertising section will assist in matters about applications for technical compliance with the by-laws:
• Lethabo Shebu: 011 999 3691 or Lethabo.Shebu@ekurhuleni.gov.za
• Susan Wilson: 011 999 0974 or Susan.Wilson@ekurhuleni.gov.za
Outdoor advertising lease-related queries for signage on municipal property must be directed to Cheryl du Toit of the Real Estate Department’s outdoor advertising section on 011 999 3683 or Cheryl.DuToit@ekurhuleni.gov.za
Also Read: Outdoor advertisers warned to maintain cleanliness by adhering to by-laws
