The project that took the city by storm elicited mixed emotions from the eMalahleni community. While some would agree with the removal of unsightly buildings overburdening the city’s infrastructure, others had called it an unnecessary waste of resources to remove homes and businesses.
“We knew going into this, we would receive more criticism than credit,” said Building Control Officer, Mr Kobus Tanner, on Tuesday, April 14.
“Once you take away what income people make from having illegal tax-free businesses, they will of course be very upset about it and want to fight back…” Tanner continued, saying that in the short term more aspersions will be cast on the Demolition Project.
“The long-term plan, however, is to keep the city clean and have uniformity within the city.”
Tanner explained how ridding the city of its illegal buildings will bring a positive change and make a difference in economic growth as well.
“What people should also remember is; that living in an area with illegal structures and housing will dramatically decrease the value of their property. For example: if you buy a house and your neighbour decides to put up an extra 10 to 20 rooms next to you, immediately the sale value of your property decreases.”
Tanner further explained that because of a few individuals and homeowners running illegal businesses in residential areas, problems have risen such as; an increase in waste and overloading of the sewerage system (which then also leads to sewerage spills). Bypassing electricity to extra ‘rooms’ built on, also remains a big problem.
Whilst Tanner and his team had been blamed by members of the public for destroying homes, even critiqued by city planners and members of their own office; they persist with further demolition plans.
Tanner stated that the individuals enriching themselves by housing people or running businesses from illegally built premises will receive harsher fines to match the transgression.
Tanner also wants to remind owners of illegally built premises, that renewing their properties is also not a permanent solution. “They must get the correct and approved building plans or the structures will be demolished.”
A database had been set up to keep track of all the demolition orders and fines. More than R121 000 had already been collected in fines and R800 000 remains outstanding. More than 400 notices for demolition have been updated on the system.
“Once we receive an order from the court to demolish a structure we do so immediately,” Tanner said. “Owners of illegal buildings receive plenty of warning before the time. They can either rectify the situation by getting the proper building plans in order or remove the illegal structures themselves.”
“There is no use in hiding or ignoring notices,” Tanner further stated. “Once you have received a notice you can still ratify the situation. I am willing to give advice on how you can proceed to do so, but after a court order is given the structure will be demolished.”
Tanner reminded that there is only a certain number of Wendy houses allowed on a stand and that ship containers are also illegal. He asked that anyone who thinks they might have something illegal built on or around their properties come forward to ask for advice rather than remain quiet until they’re served the next notice to ‘correct’ the situation.
The Building Control Office can be contacted on 013 690 6309.
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