Illegal buildings to be demolished
Ekurhuleni is set to demolish illegal buildings within its precinct.
In order to ensure that buildings and structures in Ekurhuleni comply with 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.
The City Planning Department of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is mandated to ensure compliance to the National Building Regulation and Building Standards Act. Section 4 of the Act provides for the approval of the construction of buildings and structures by a municipality. The municipality is also mandated to ensure that buildings constructed are in compliance with the provisions of the Act, and any deviations and illegal construction should be monitored and rectified.
The department conducts inspections on a daily basisand when irregularities and illegal building work with constructed buildings 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 in a court order to rectify or alternatively demolish the illegal structure.
As soon as the metro is in possession of the necessary court orders to act against contraveners, the municipality together with the local sheriff of the Court must demolish illegal structures and recover demolition cost from the property owner through available avenues. The metro has at present 18 court orders for demolitions, which will be expected to be finalised no later than 30 June 2014.
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.
