An operation by the Department of Development Planning resulted in the demolition of three illegal residential structures in Northcliff on 31 August.
Residents and nearby businesses were shocked to see Metro police arrive at the property on Willar Drive, right off Beyers Naude Drive with bulldozers and trucks.
By 11.30am all household items belonging to those living there were moved to the street and the demolition project had begun.
The property in Northcliff is the first of many illegal structures that the City plans on demolishing.
The statement said, “The management of Development Planning recently resolved to enforce 54 outstanding court orders, 28 of which are demolition orders, wherein property owners had failed to adhere to the building regulations of the City.
The enforcement of the court orders, some dating as far back as 2009, is part of the new administration’s efforts to intensify compliance that is in line with Operation Buya Mthetho.”
The demolition was part of the City’s Buya Mthetho operation which is a multi-departmental operation aimed at bringing the rule of law back to the City of Johannesburg.
The property targeted today has been classified as an illegal business structure by the City. According to a statement by the City they had given the property owner opportunities to amend their property in order for them to comply with the City’s bylaws.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning, Councillor Reuben Masango, warned residents, developers and other stakeholders against building structures without the approval of the City.
MMC Masango said, “For years, the rule of law has been ignored and no consideration given to the effects illegal building has, not only on the lives of people but on the City’s infrastructure,” He added that Brixton was one of the neighbourhoods earmarked for the next demolition.
ALSO READ: City News – Operation Buya Mthetho
