A contentious billboard on Doreen Road has raised concerns from residents after being illegally erected without the necessary permits.
The massive structure advertising Cadbury SA was allegedly erected without the correct permits, sparking outrage from residents concerned with the infrastructure being hazardous to the environment.
Following the complaints from residents, the JMPD intervened, halting construction until the property owner obtained proper permits and conducted a public consultation.
However, despite this agreement, the construction crew continued working late into the night to complete the illegal structure.
Ward 97 Clr Jacques Hoon continued to monitor the situation closely while working alongside the JMPD and other law enforcement to ensure that all legal procedures were followed.
“Residents reached out, and that is when I contacted the JMPD to intervene. The JMPD has deemed the structure illegal and has initiated removal proceedings. Furthermore, authorisation through the National Environment Management Act’s environmental impact assessment due to the structure’s location on a sensitive ridge area violated the Ridge Policy,” Hoon explained.
When the Roodepoort Northsider visited the location on November 1 to confirm the foundation was being taken down, workers were still tearing down the foundation, after the billboard was removed.
Hoon applauded the JMPD for their swift response and their consistency in ensuring the correct rules are followed.
The Northsider contacted Cadbury SA for comment and no response was received before going to print.
