City of Johannesburg MMC for Development Planning, Thapelo Amad and the department’s law enforcement unit visited Glen Austin to address residents’ concerns about illegal land use.
According to the chief specialist communications and stakeholder liaison for the MMC, Poppy Louw, the visit took place on 26 March following concerns raised by Glen Austin Residents Association about illegal land use and building activities currently taking place in the area.
She added that the association said they had tried to engage with the community to advise them of the correct land use and building control processes, but their efforts fell short as fellow residents reportedly simply did as they pleased, continuing to build without seeking approval from the City or carrying out activities that were not permitted on their properties.
“Abandoned houses or unoccupied plots individually owe the City up to R300 000. The department’s law enforcement unit has taken action against property owners who have been found to be contravening City by-laws, with some matters already at the High Court,” said Louw.
“It [the department] further updated the Glen Austin Residents Association on the status of the contravention notices, more than 30, that were issued for various land use and building control issues in the area in February.” Louw concluded that properties that were flagged as problem areas would further be investigated and, if necessary, inspectors would return on site the following week to issue contravention notices.
Amad said the role of law enforcement regarding developments on properties afforded those contravening the by-laws an opportunity to comply before the courts would be approached, however, some residents chose to ignore the City. “Lawlessness of this kind cannot be left unattended to. Residents cannot simply disregard our by-laws and continuously avoid what is required of them. There are processes residents are expected to follow with the City, even if they are the property owners,” he said.
“We appreciate all efforts by the Glen Austin Residents Association to help educate their community and implore them, and any other institutions who are raising this kind of awareness, to continue doing so.” Amad encouraged residents across Johannesburg who were not informed of the City’s processes, to approach their respective regional offices to avoid instances of illegalities that could see them in court.
Details: City of Johannesburg joburgconnect@joburg.org.za; 086 056 2874.
