Contravention notice not enough for owners of illegal structures

After completion of the metro’s investigation with regards to the issue of illegal structures being erected in Daggafontein Extension Two, the metro promised to revert to the community and ask them about their findings. After an investigation by the building control unit, the metro discovered that the structures erected at Daggafontein Voluntary Communal Property Association in Lyster Avenue are illegal.

This comes after numerous complaints were received by the Addie and the metro regarding illegal structures being erected on the property.

A resident, Barries Barnard, says they have come to the conclusion the stakeholders will continue to erect illegal structures regardless if they have water and sanitation on their property or not.

Despite the committee’s explanation that the purpose of the structures is mainly to store building material, more structures have been erected and people are residing on the property.

“The association chairman, Aubrey Noqara, said in August that they were still waiting for building plans and sub-division approval from the metro, but the metro has no recollection of sub-division applications for the property.

Barnard says what amazes him is the fact that these people are ignoring the metro’s contravention notice which was issued to the owners instructing them to remove the illegal structures.

These illegal occupants also apparently make use of the fire extinguisher tap for water, which according his knowledge, is illegal.

“If there is no sanitation or water available on the property, how hygienic is that?” asks Barnard.

Metro spokesperson, Themba Gadebe, says after their investigation they issued a contravention notice to the owners instructing them to remove the illegal structures as they cannot be approved.

“A follow-up inspection revealed the owners have added two more illegal structures on the site.

“This matter will now be referred to the city’s legal team for prosecution,” says Gadebe.