Ward 86 councillor Chantelle Fourie-Shawe confirmed that warnings had been given to the caretaker of a property involved in scrap dealing in Albertskroon.
The warnings were issued as part of an Integrated Visible Service Delivery operation led by Ward 86’s urban inspector. According to Fourie-Shawe, it was residents’ repetitive complaints and concerns raised with the City’s authorities that fast-tracked the action. She said, “This operation happened solely because so many people reported it to the urban inspector. I had asked the urban inspector to look into this but the mere fact that so many people reported it made it happen faster.”
The operation was aimed at investigating if any by-laws or regulations were being transgressed by the owners of the property. “I live close to this place as well, so I’ve been seeing the developments myself… it seems to be getting progressively worse. I think it’s because they have moved their operations of the scrap dealer onto the pavement and that’s when it starts to look untidy. That’s when you start noticing it.”
Warnings were issued to the caretaker as the owner was not present. The notice addressed matters of the lack of building plans on extensions and additional buildings, and safety regulations not being followed. Additionally, it was discovered that there were 30 rooms on the property where many children lived.
If the warnings to make the necessary changes and submissions were not adhered to, the City would start fining the owner and proceed with action to make them compliant.
Fourie-Shawe said such operations took place once a month but she would do all she could to make them happen more regularly.
She urged residents to continue reporting their concerns to authorities as they were the people who have the power to make the City act.
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