Bylaw bandits to face the law
Acting Chief of Bylaws, Esau Thembinkosi Twala explains other divisions within Newcastle Municipality engage with his unit for issuing of compliance notices.
Officials believe the Bylaw Enforcement Division will assist the public with its complaints.
Although some challenges are anticipated, such as resistance from transgressors, Newcastle Municipality is certain the division will satisfy those who complain about including illegal dumping and nuisance vehicles.
“We won’t hesitate to impound vehicles or confiscate goods – this is our serious message to the public.”
Establishment of a Bylaw Enforcement Division is linked to the updating of municipal bylaws last year, which sought to modernise certain inscriptions and laws which existed pre-1994 and were in some instances unconstitutional.
The Enforcement office is inter-linked with all municipal departments.
Acting Chief of Bylaws, Esau Thembinkosi Twala explains other divisions within Newcastle Municipality engage with his unit for issuing of compliance notices.
His team can then step in to ensure residents and businesses toe the line.
In a formal response to the media from Head of Communications, Dr Dumisani Thabethe, it was stated measures taken by the Bylaw Enforcement Unit related to compliance with municipal bylaws, and varied depending on the nature of the transgressions.
“For instance, people who have been identified to have violated the bylaws, may be served with notices to refrain from operating or continuing with an illegal activity. People can also be fined penalties in line with the municipal tariff structure.
“In certain instances, people can also be reprimanded verbally by enforcement officers.”
Financial repercussions for non-compliance, as mentioned in a printed notice in the Newcastle Advertiser, also vary according to the nature of the transgression.
Prior to escalating a matter to court, Newcastle Municipality has committed to at the least serving a written notice to the transgressor.
“What is important to emphasise in this instance, is that when going to court, the municipality always seeks a court order against the person perpetuating an unauthorised activity or structure.”
He said it was thus in the best interest of residents and businesses, to lodge an enquiry with the municipality with regards land or building structure usage.
“This will ensure people are not further indebted with unnecessary litigation costs,” concluded Dr Thabethe.
ALSO READ: VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: What do Newcastillians think about the new smoking bylaws?
Contact us
WhatsApp: 082 874 5550
Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
Make sure you follow us for regular updates:
