Councillor cracks down on problem properties in Ward 33
WARD 33 Councillor Fran Kristopher looks to tackle problematic buildings in the area with the formation of the Problem Property Forum which will liaise with the City in a bid to curb unhealthy and hazardous living conditions.
THE ball has been set in motion to tackle problematic buildings in Ward 33 following meetings between the eThekwini Municipality engineers and Councillor Fran Kristopher who was informed that the area is in the red, with property owners not adhering to city by-laws.
Kristopher said two meetings were held with city engineers and a community stakeholder where the problem plaguing the ward was highlighted. She said overcrowding, illegal connections, and irregularities with registrations of properties, were a major concern leading to the crackdown. “It has been derived that the ward is in the red with regards to property owners not adhering to the guidelines and regulations set out,” said Kristopher.
The problem has led to the Cllr looking to form a Problem Property Forum which will work with the City to monitor and resolve the issue. In the meeting, a motion was also tabled for stronger enforcement and monitoring on the regulations of lodges, rental homes, and student accommodation.
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As a warning to property owners flouting the rules, Kristopher said, “If you are running any of these establishments, I have requested the city engineers to clamp down on overcrowding, illegal connections, irregularities with registrations of properties, as many have passed through the cracks, making it very difficult to monitor and ascertain from commercial to residential use; together with curbing unhealthy and hazardous living conditions.”
The forum will be the medium whereby city officials will table topics and meet quarterly to give feedback and progress reports pertaining to the list of problem properties. “I have been assured by this department that we will be seeing more focused operations, and in just the last week we have seen a few progress reports coming through,” added Kristopher.
For more information or to be part of the Problem Property Forum, contact Ward 33 Councillor Fran Kristopher via email: cllr.frankay@gmail.com
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