CoE reclaims hijacked and illegal buildings in Germiston CBD

The CoE intensified its efforts to tackle hijacked and illegal buildings in the Germiston CBD as part of the ongoing Siyakhokha Siyathuthuka revenue enhancement campaign on August 2.

The operation, led by MMC for Finance Clr Jongizizwe Dlabathi, supported by the MMC for Community Safety, Sizakele Masuku, and the MMC for Energy, Mzayifani Ngwenya, focused on removing illegal electricity connections and other unlawful activities.

Among the properties targeted was the notorious Court Hotel, a building city officials frequently visited due to its long-standing issues.

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During the operation, the city confiscated an industrial 300-amp circuit breaker and tons of cables used for illegal electricity connections.

Dlabathi expressed concern over the financial impact of hijacked buildings, saying these illegal operations cost the city millions in lost revenue.

He emphasised the campaign’s importance in encouraging residents and businesses to pay for municipal services, a critical component for improving the quality of life in the city.

The campaign also includes the Credit Control Outreach Programme, aimed at recovering over R65m owed to the municipality by businesses, residents and the operators of hijacked buildings in the Germiston area.

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On the day of the operation, seven properties were disconnected from the municipal grid, and five fines were issued to businesses operating without the necessary permits.

The Court Hotel residents described the living conditions in the building as dire, with no access to clean water, proper sanitation or adequate ventilation.

The building, plagued by deteriorated infrastructure, exposed electrical wiring, pest infestations and heaps of rubbish, poses serious health risks.

“Living here is a nightmare. There are rats everywhere, and the smell of overflowing trash is unbearable. I stay because I have nowhere else to go,” said Maria Nkosi, a Court Hotel resident.

Masuku highlighted the severe impact of these conditions on residents’ health and safety, particularly children.

“No human should live like this,” Masuku said.

Dlabathi noted that the city is actively monitoring the situation at the Court Hotel and similar hijacked buildings while seeking long-term solutions.

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He reiterated the need for a culture of payment for municipal services, urging residents who can pay to do so, and encouraging those in financial difficulty to arrange payment plans.

“The work ahead is immense, particularly in the area of credit control.

“But we are determined to continue this campaign across Ekurhuleni until we see meaningful change.

“That communities understand the importance of paying for services to improve the city’s offerings is crucial,” Dlabathi said.