Ekurhuleni mayor raises alarm over unsafe conditions in hijacked buildings
Xhakaza urged residents to ensure they rent accommodation only from lawful property owners who provide safe and legally compliant housing.
Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has raised concerns about the condition of hijacked buildings across the City of Ekurhuleni.
This follows a multi-disciplinary by-law enforcement blitz conducted in the Germiston CBD and surrounding areas last week.
The operation, led by the mayor, brought together the EMPD, SAPS and several municipal departments to address by-law violations, illegal activities and non-compliance.
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Xhakaza said the city was determined to reclaim public spaces and act against those who continue to break the law.
“We cannot have people doing as they please. In one of the buildings we visited, people had partitioned the building into rooms using improper materials,” said Xhakaza.
“We have people who have connected water and electricity illegally, and they continue to cost the city millions of rand every year.”
The mayor also expressed concern about unsafe living conditions in hijacked buildings.
“People are living in unsafe buildings. The city will continue to intensify its efforts to restore law and order, ensure compliance, and create safer communities,” he said.
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According to Xhakaza, the operation resulted in the arrest of 16 undocumented immigrants, while three people were arrested for drug-related offences.
He added that three spaza shops were closed for failing to comply with municipal by-laws, and 11 fines were issued for various by-law infringements.
The mayor said the operation also highlighted the need for residents and businesses to meet their municipal obligations.
“Outstanding debt for water and electricity in Germiston has exceeded R25 million, placing significant pressure on the city’s ability to deliver essential services.
“The city remains committed to enforcing by-laws, promoting compliance, and ensuring a safe, clean and well-managed environment for all residents.”
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As part of the city’s ongoing urban revitalisation programme in Germiston, municipal teams also demolished illegal structures that had been erected inside hijacked buildings.
Xhakaza urged residents to ensure they rent accommodation only from lawful property owners who provide safe and legally compliant housing.
Meanwhile, MMC for Infrastructure and Economic Development Clr Dora Mlambo encouraged spaza shop owners to visit their nearest Customer Care Centre (CCC) to register their businesses and comply with municipal regulations.
