‘Informal settlement’ in Westdene to be flattened
WESTDENE - City of Johannesburg officials, including a large contingent of JMPD-members, descended upon a home housing illegal structures and a small 'informal settlement' in Westdene on 20 May.
More than 15 City of Johannesburg officials, including Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) representatives, swooped down on a controversial Westdene property on Wednesday.
This followed Northcliff Melville Times’ report two weeks ago, regarding concerned Chichester Street residents facing a potential ‘squatter camp’ in their neighbour’s backyard.
Gerrit Reesberg, owner of the property in question, received a notice ordering him to remove and demolish the illegal structures in his yard by 21 June.
A City of Johannesburg spokesperson confirmed that they had been on site, and that the necessary notices had been issued.
“We gave this guy enough time to remove it. He can now, so to speak, get his house in order,” he said.
Among the officials visiting the property were urban inspector Auriel Kobola, representatives from the Environmental Health Department, Planning Control, Building Control and a contingent from Metro police, acting via law enforcement.
Except for the five illegal structures already found on the property, officials discovered another illegal brick structure behind the main house.
Previously, neighbours had expressed their worries to DA Councillor Katya Naumann, and the pressure exercised by the community led to this property inspection.
Reesberg was visibly upset when the contingent arrived on his property and declined to comment. He subsequently informed Northcliff Melville Times that he would respond in due course.
Neighbours, however, were visibly relieved. “Great!” Janine Manual said simply when asked for commentary. “Our street will go back to the beautiful place it was.”
*The ward councillor couldn’t be reached for commentary at the time of print.
