BREAKING NEWS – Land development moratorium set aside

During an ordinary council meeting earlier today (Thursday) Polokwane Municipality resolved to set aside the land development moratorium that was imposed during 2013, but attached conditions that do not appear to assist to enhance development potential.
Regarding township establishment approvals, the condition is that services agreements will not be signed “until the bulk infrastructure, in relation to water and sanitation is addressed”.
The rider to the resolution stipulates that “the applicable certificates will only be issued once the bulk infrastructure is addressed”.
As far as rezoning and clause applications to increase in density concerns, it was resolved that site development and building plans be accepted “once the bulk infrastructure in relation to water and sanitation issues is fully addressed”.
The condition regarding incidental matters is that it be dealt with by the Services Appeals Committee in line with the regulations in the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act no 16 of 2013 (Spluma).
Finally, council resolved that preference be given to social benefits and government departments.
A comprehensive report will be published in the next issue of Polokwane Observer.

Story and photo: BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com