MMC demands that Springs Hotel and tavern be shut down
Team Siyaqhuba cleans out illegal services in Springs on Thursday.
Siyaqhuba, which means moving forward, was an initiative by the mayor Mzwandile Masina, during his first 100 days in office in January.
The campaign is part of a drive to ensure that service delivery issues are responded to rapidly.
It is also to allow people in the metro to have close access to their public representatives.
Infrastructure services MMC Robert Mashego says that he was appalled when he visited some of the business sites in the area which were not complying to by-laws.
He demanded that the Springs Hotel and a tavern in First Street be shut down after they were found to be operating illegally.
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They discovered that the hotel was registered, but rendering illegal services.
“We found illicit activities of prostitution, illegal gambling and various businesses operating on the premises.
“This is unacceptable and they must face the consequences.
“The hotel will remain closed until the owner complies,” he says.
He was shocked that the hotel did not have a guest register.
Mashego ordered the EMPD, who were present, to immediately shut it down.
He also shut down a tavern because it didn’t have an operating licence.
The team also addressed the potholes, blocked storm water drains and the filth visible at the Main Taxi Rank.
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Mashego says the taxi rank is operating illegally on the premises and he asked the officials on site to look into the poor conditions at the rank.
“We are not going to tolerate the poor conditions of the taxi rank whether it is a private or public land, it must be looked after.
“This is a matter of urgency because it puts the lives of the drivers and commuters in danger
The MMC was also concerned about a betting place in Second Street which renovated the building inside and outside but could not provide the building plans.
A notice was served to the owner of the business to provide the plans within 28 days or face the law.
