Bluff bylaw non-compliance fuelled by red tape
Bylaw breakers are causing problems on the Bluff.
A LIST of 14 Bluff properties flouting land management bylaws became a critical topic of consternation at a community meeting hosted by ward 66 councillor, Duncan Du Bois and Bluff Ratepayers Chairman, Ivor Aylward at the Dutch Club on Thursday, 31 July.
Du Bois and Aylward called the meeting after they compiled the list of properties with ongoing bylaw infringements. “What is at the root of attempts to bring closure to such cases is the convoluted and byzantine legal procedures,” said Du Bois.
About 50 Bluff residents were involved in the resultant discussion between Du Bois, Aylward and Abdul Domingo, eThekwini Land Use Management senior enforcement officer.
Domingo said non-compliance was the root cause of bylaw violations. He explained the procedures involved in dealing with by-law offences and said a culture of defiance was frustrating attempts to compel property owners to comply with land use management by-laws.
Du Boid added: “In effect, bylaws are being rendered inoperative because of bureaucracy and protocols. Tracking a complaint through several departments seems to ensure that it gets waylaid and is overtaken by events. This is not only frustrating but it is also fuelling the culture of non-compliance.”
Great article and comments by Abdool Domingo. However, this is where it all seems to stop.
I am in a similar position and have been battling for the past 6 years on the same issue Building By-Law non compliance. Mr. Domingo is fully aware of the situation and this was even escalated to the Mayor’s office by myself. However, the endless trail of emails, visits to the council offices has still resulted in no solution or action.
In order to provide security for my property, I have had to spend upward of R50 000.00. I am still having the issue of my water and electricity being tampered with. The Municipalities response to the water and electricity issues is that I must sort this out myself, despite them serving me a summons for an illegal structure that has nothing to do with me or my part of the property.