Get rid of shabby backyard dwellings

NORM LOUW writes:

The increase of illegal backyard accommodation for tenants in our suburbs has reached astronomical proportions.

The building of dilapidated, unprofessional and cheap buildings behind the original houses are now evident everywhere in our suburbs. The influx of more and more people in our streets is the result of these cheap and illegal dwellings on residential properties.

In Birch Acres ext 17 the owner converted his garages to a spaza/shebeen business venture. Behind the main house one will notice at least three badly built dwellings, housing numerous tenants.

I wonder if plans were obtained to erect these unprofessional buildings and if permission was obtained for business rights for this residential property.

A street away from the above-mentioned property, another home owner is applying for a “guesthouse” with 16 rooms to be erected on his property. There is a second building at the back of the main house which serves as accommodation for numerous people.

This scenario is evident in many parts of Kempton Park. This might be the custom of people to turn their homes into business ventures; this might be acceptable provided the municipality authorises this business as legitimate and the second or converted building is accordance with professional plans from Ekurhuleni.

There are builders in society who cash in and complete the additions to properties, quickly and reasonably cheaply. But the quality and overall look of these “add on” dwellings leave much to be desired.

The above scenario brings the following negative aspects to the fore. Increased and overcrowding of premises, house values decrease, increased crime rate, noise pollution increase by many decibels, increased traffic, services (sewage) under enormous pressure and so on. To my mind this situation is not healthy for normal human life.

We should live in an organised, harmonious and peaceful town. The practice to house 20 and more people on a relatively small piece of land must be eradicated because overcrowding is not healthy for normal human existence.

Some people might argue that this was done for generations, perhaps yes, but the conditions in those areas were and are not up to today’s hygiene standards. These areas appear dilapidated, dirty and poor. Our suburbs should be crisp, clean and organised, and to beautify the suburb with nature is vitally important for healthy human living.

Keep businesses out of our residential areas, especially guesthouses or rather hostels and below-standard backyard rooms.