Germiston economy jeopardised by hijacked buildings
It is claimed to be a fire hazard and not safe to live in. The building has deteriorated over the years.
Ward 35 Clr Ntuthuzelo Mpambani is concerned about the dangers of the hijacked buildings in the Germiston CBD.
“The occupants of these hijacked buildings don’t pay services to the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE).
“This results in businesses leaving Germiston with their investments and creating a space for undesirable elements,” said Mpambani.
He said the level of crime around this area caused by these hijacked buildings is beyond control.
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“I am concerned about the safety of people in these buildings.
“The city needs stability to attract business opportunities, but these buildings are making that difficult,” said Mpambani.
Residents have been expressing concerns about an allegedly hijacked building on Meyer Street.
It is claimed to be a fire hazard and not safe to live in. The building has deteriorated over the years.
Mpambani said the state of this building needs urgent attention.
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“The Ekurhuleni council has passed a motion on the issue of hijacked buildings, and I believe we need to move with speed in addressing it.
With the city facing challenges in the collection of rates, this might assist the city’s finances. I would appreciate it if the city could renovate these buildings.
“The owners owe the city millions and are nowhere to be found,” said Mpambani.
He said if the city does not address the matter of these buildings, they might have a similar situation as Johannesburg.
“These buildings are not in a good state. Some have water in their basements that might result in these buildings collapsing and causing a disaster. People are not safe,” said Mpambani.
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GCN sent an inquiry to the city regarding the building in question.
The city said they were busy with investigations.
“We cannot say a building is hijacked, only the owner can determine that because they would know who their tenants are.
“If it is indeed hijacked then there is a court of law that can assist with an eviction order,” said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
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Furthermore, he said they are working with all relevant stakeholders to address the issue.
“On our side, we will investigate the conditions and determine the next course of action to protect lives.
There has been an investigation by the city on the property and we have determined that it is indeed unsafe.
“We will soon conduct a joint operation with various stakeholders, including the EMPD and environmental health to resolve the matter,” said Dlamini.
