Councillor urges residents to heed by-laws when building
As illegal structures continue to threaten public infrastructure in Alexandra, Ward 76 councillor Olga Mothopi urges residents to consult the Development Planning Department before building.
Ward 76 councillor Olga Mothopi has called on Alexandra residents to engage with the City of Johannesburg’s Development Planning Department before undertaking any renovations or expansions. Her appeal comes amid growing concern over illegal structures, encroachment on public infrastructure, and the challenges of by-laws enforcement.
These were some of the issues that were at the forefront of a recent community outreach programme held at Marlboro Hall on September 4, where officials sought to educate residents about the Development Planning Department’s services.
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Speaking on the side-lines, Mothopi highlighted the impact of unregulated construction on essential infrastructure and public health. She referenced a case in her ward where residents had built on essential infrastructure. She gave a concerning example about a house constructed directly on the sewer line, rendering Johannesburg Water unable to access or maintain the system. “At some point, when the sewer blocked, we had to ask the owner to demolish their property so that we could access the sewer line. It was becoming a health hazard in the community.”
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Mothopi’s comments come on the back of raising concerns about rampant municipal by-laws violations in the township. Two of the most recent cases that drew the attention of the city officials include the informal settlement of Greenville, and another in Ext 7. “We urge our people to consult the Development Planning Department before renovating or building. There are proper channels to follow. That’s what we’ve been taught.”
When asked about consensus with residents who have built on restricted land, Mothopi was firm. “If someone builds on essential infrastructure and it affects others, there should be assistance from the department to demolish. We cannot focus on one person while others suffer.”
She emphasised that by-laws ought to be adhered to, noting that if the regulations say people must construct their structures three metres away from the servitude, then it must be so. “Sometimes we’re expected to nurse wrongdoing, which is wrong. Whether the decision is popular or not, it must be taken.”
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