Ekurhuleni set to demolish illegal buildings
The metro is going to start demolishing illegal buildings and structures.
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 and in terms of the provisions of the Act, as amended.
The metro’s city planning department is mandated to ensure compliance to the National Building Regulation and Building Standards Act (Act No 103 of 1977).
Section four of the Act provides for the approval of the construction of buildings and structures by a municipality.
The metro 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 basis and, 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 results in a court order to rectify and/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 the demolition cost from the property owner through available avenues.
The metro has, at present, 18 court orders for demolitions, which are expected to be finalised by not later than June 30, next year.
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 can report any illegal structures to Baby-Girl Chuena, on 011 999-4571.
