SEDIBENG. – The Midvaal Local Municipality (MLM) has warned the community about an illegal housing development that is currently taking place in the area.
The municipality has said that the development that is currently taking place at Plot 116 Elandsfontein 334-IQ is illegal and that the public should refrain from purchasing the stands and houses sold on the property.
The stands are being sold from R30 000 to R60 000 while the houses are being sold from R110 000 to R150 000 by a company called ‘Tsa Rona Projects’. The MLM said that the property in question is currently zoned “Rural Residential” and does not have high-density residential rights. MLM further said that in terms of the said zoning, only one dwelling per property is accommodated.
“The developer/land owner of this project has not submitted any formal land use or building plan applications to the municipality to undertake the said development. As such, the project is deemed illegal as the necessary processes (e.g. rezoning application, township establishment, subdivision, building plan submissions, an inspection of houses to ensure quality/compliance, etc.) were not followed prior to the commencement of this project. Without the above-mentioned processes being concluded, the houses constructed cannot be transferred to buyers and will, therefore, remain the property of the current land owner.”
MLM said that it is stated on the developers’ website that they are catering for RDP housing and flats and that it should be noted that RDP projects are part of the government’s programme, as per the National Housing Code.
“Developers undertaking RDP projects are usually subsidised by government. At the present moment, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDHS) is not in partnership with the Developer of Plot 116 Elandsfontein 334-IQ to undertake RDP housing within the Midvaal jurisdiction. The Municipality has issued a National Building Regulation (NBR) Notice to the land owner to cease all illegal activities and construction on site immediately.
“The municipality will be referring the matter to court for possible litigation or interdict against the land owner.”
The MLM advised community members to refrain from purchasing stands and houses from this ‘illegal development’ as they cannot obtain title deeds transfer/security of tenure or occupations of any structures/houses constructed on the property.
When contacted for comment, a lady who answered the phone on the number printed on the pamphlets distributed by the developer said that no one was available in the offices to answers Sedibeng Ster’s questions.
