On Wednesday, October 15 members of the community witnessed the destruction of an illegally built tuck-shop in Van Deventer Street.
Whilst on the scene, building inspectors and members of the municipality pointed out more buildings built without permits that would soon be facing the bulldozer.
After giving notice and waiting the appropriate amount of days, another structure was demolished in Van Deventer Street on Tuesday October 28.
Building Control Officer, Mr Kobus Tanner, said at the scene that most of the buildings in this particular street will have to be demolished. “Almost all of these buildings are 65 to 70 years old and will either have to be upgraded or demolished.”
Tanner inspected most of the buildings and reported that almost all of them had been extended with extra rooms, which the house owners rent out.
It was estimated that if the homeowner charged R1800 per room, he would make R36 000 profit at the city’s expense.
All the extra rooms added to these buildings cost the city thousands each year as it overburdens the infrastructure, leading to sewer blockages and electricity outages, among other problems.
“It has become a big problem, not just in eMalahleni,” Tanner stated. “If we don’t stop it now, it’s only going to get worse. They will keep on expanding and extending.”
Homeowners have also complained that it is difficult to sell their homes in an area that is overpopulated by illegal ‘guesthouses’ and have to reduce the selling price considerably to even consider putting it into the market.
Community members and WITBANK NEWS readers have made their concerns heard about people continuing to build without permits, despite the municipality’s demolition project.
Some of the readers commented on Facebook that as soon as one building is demolished, another structure is built somewhere else.
Tanner said that this demolition project is an ongoing process that will help rid the city of some of its major problems.
More structures were demolished this week.
Do you think it’s a good thing that Emalahleni Local Municipality is trying to clean up the Central Business District?
What’s your view on all the demolition going on? Have your say and comment below.
