After the demolition of the illegal building utilised as a church in Vosman, members of the community made their voices heard, many agreeing that more illegal structures need to follow suit.
On Monday, September 22 the demolition started in Extension 3 Vosman where the church was torn down.
Some of the community members in Vosman argued that the demolition of a place of worship was ‘unnecessary’ and complained about the many other illegal buildings that still stand.
More people agreed that there are a lot of buildings or homes extended illegally in residential areas and felt that the matter needs to be dealt with immediately.
The city’s administrator, Mr Theo van Vuuren, did post on Facebook that “further similar demolishes may become a more common sight in the city”.
A statement was also issued by the official Building Control Officer with regard to illegal buildings:
‘National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977.
To provide for the promotion of uniformity in the law relating to the erection of buildings in the areas of jurisdiction of local authorities; for the prescribing of building standards, and for matters connected therewith.
Application of the Act:
(i) Subject to the provision any notice published in terms of this Act shall apply in the areas of jurisdiction of any local authority in question erect any building in respect of which plans and specifications are to be drawn and submitted in terms of this Act.
‘Erection of buildings in certain circumstances subject to prohibition or conditions:
‘If any building or earthwork in the opinion of the local authority in question is being or is to be erected in such a manner that will not be in the interest of good health or hygiene or be unsightly or objectionable, probably or infect a nuisance to the occupiers of adjoining properties or neighbouring properties, will probably or infect derogate from the value of adjoining properties. The magistrate shall have jurisdiction on the application of the local authority to demolish such building if he is satisfied that such erection is contrary to or does not comply with the provision of this Act or any approval or authorization granted there under.
‘The Building Control Section of council have already identified a number of illegal buildings/structures, and notices/and fines were already served on individuals and have already started with the demolishing process in this regard. We want to warn residents to make sure all the buildings on their premises are approved by council as a matter of urgency.’
Click here to see the demolition of the church.
