Withok Estates is facing growing tension as residents raise the alarm over an emerging informal development on a privately owned plot.

The development stems from the purchase of the land by the Putfontein Association, an organisation made up of former Putfontein residents who were bought out by the City of Ekurhuleni.

The association intended to build homes on the plot, but delays in government processes allegedly prompted members to erect shacks on the land without the required zoning or permits.

Kathorus Mail, the Brakpan Herald’s sister newspaper, first reported on the matter on June 9 2021, stating that the association was seeking government assistance with the process of occupying the land.

Residents are now concerned about illegal water and electricity connections, lack of sewerage infrastructure causing contamination affecting wildlife, and alleged illegal subdivision and sale of land parcels without legal title deeds. Some residents also claim crime in the area has increased since the erection of six shacks on the plot.

“This is aggravating for us as a community. We are told nothing is going to be done. We are being threatened and our hands are tied,” said resident Merslen Naicker.

“We approached a number of officials who either claim the occupants are not doing anything wrong or say something will be done, then turn around and say it is private property and nothing can be done.

“The municipality did not approve the erection of the shacks, yet it is allowed to continue. Everyone we ask just avoids the questions.”

“They simply cannot set a precedent for illegal squatting. They need to do things properly or not at all,” added another resident, Retha Tibbitts.

The Putfontein Association was approached for comment on the legality of the structures, the documentation for subdivision, and their plans for residential development on November 3.

A deadline of November 17 was given, but no response was received by the time of going to press.

According to the City of Ekurhuleni, the correct process to obtain land use rights for residential purposes is to establish a township. The city confirmed that no township application for the property has been submitted or approved.

“The holding cannot be subdivided into residential erven without following the township establishment process. It will be an illegal township,” said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

ALSO READ: Gauteng makes progress in clearing public transport licence backlog

“The Tsakane customer relation manager is engaging all services departments.

“The Brakpan development compliance officer was informed of the illegal land use and carried out an inspection, which confirmed several structures used for dwelling purposes were erected on the property.

“The property is registered in the name of a company. One of the directors, who was contacted, confirmed he did not consent to the building of these structures.

“The company’s attorney was informed and, if there is no compliance, the DCO will issue a contravention notice.”