Residents have less than two weeks left to comment on Mogale City’s Draft Problem Buildings By-law, which aims to address abandoned, neglected, unsafe and illegally occupied properties across the municipality.

According to the municipality’s senior communications practitioner, Tendani Shavani, the proposed by-law will provide Mogale City with legal mechanisms to identify and intervene in buildings that are abandoned, overcrowded, poorly maintained, or unlawfully occupied.

The by-law also targets properties that pose health, safety or environmental risks, contribute to urban decay, or are linked to criminal activity and illegal utility connections.

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Shavani said the municipality would be empowered to investigate and inspect properties, assess compliance and determine whether a property qualifies as a problem building.

The municipality says the by-law forms part of broader efforts to improve public safety, support economic development and encourage investment in affected areas.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft by-law and submit comments before the closing date on June 22. The document is available on the Mogale City website, and comments can be emailed to creswell.basson@mogalecity.gov.za.