City speaks on unkempt properties
The City of Johannesburg has responded to an article on unkempt and dilapidated houses around the city.
In Unkempt Properties Addressed, published week ending 11 July, residents complained that the house was a health and safety hazard and had fallen into despair.
City of Johannesburg spokesperson, Nthatise Modingoane, mentioned that such properties are a common sight in the city and are often occupied by vagrants. He added that public health bylaws existed to force owners into compliance.
“[The] failure to comply with the requirements and provisions of this notice, will leave the city council with no other option but to institute legal action against you, and… clear the property at your cost,” Modingoane said.
He also explained how these houses fall into an unkempt and dilapidated state, including the owner being negligent or absent from the property. “In some cases, the owners are not taking responsibility for their properties… have died [or] have leased rooms to various people on one stand,” he explained.
Public bylaws serve the purpose of allowing the city council to protect and promote the health and well-being of residents in the city. And bylaws provide the council with a framework to manage and regulate activities that have the potential to impact adversely on public health, and also require premises to be properly maintained.
Modingoane confirmed that such houses do pose a health and security risk in the area and are generally classified as a health nuisance.
Modingoane advised concerned residents to log complaints of such houses to 011 375 5555 or at the relevant health departments closest to their area.
Related article:
New bylaw to deal with unkempt houses
