“The issue of non-compliance with city by-laws is a city-wide problem.” These were the words of MMC for Development Planning Eunice Mgcina following an oversight inspection of various properties in Glen Austin, which came after her office received several complaints from residents in the area about illegal activities.

Mgcina, together with senior officials in the city’s Development Planning Department, inspected some properties on July 2.

Read more: Newspaper article activates oversight inspection in President Park flat units

She said the inspection uncovered various violations, which included, but were not limited to, property owners building without approved building plans, property owners building on land zoned for agricultural use, without following the appropriate rezoning procedures, property owners ignoring legal notices to cease building operations while their cases are pending, and, in the case of a particular property, a citation was issued for the storage of diesel, which was used to re-fuel trucks.

“As a start, seven properties, which were flagged as requiring immediate action, were visited. All of them were non-compliant,” said Mgcina. “The properties were previously issued with citations for various violations, including building without permits and also running businesses while their re-zoning applications were still being processed.”

She added that further citations to cease operations were issued on the spot, and they are going to revisit these properties to ensure that they do not continue with their non-compliance. “If found to be in further violation, the full might of the law will then take place. This includes the impounding and confiscation of building material and other equipment used for business operations”.

When asked about those who continue to ignore the city’s notices, and what else can be done to ensure that they oblige, besides issuing additional citations and fines, Mgcina said the city is obliged to abide by the law at all times in their dealings with residents. “If residents are found to ignore notices and citations, then the city has legal prescripts that it can rely on to remedy the situation. This includes by-law enforcement, in which building materials can be confiscated and business equipment seized. Continued ignorance of the law can lead to arrests, fines, or total shutdown of business operations.”

Recently, Midrand Reporter, reported on flat units in President Park that were also not compliant, showing a huge challenge for the city to deal with this problem in the Midrand area.

Mgcina warned that the city will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness and ignorance of the law cannot be used as an excuse. She also appealed to residents to desist from violating the city’s by-laws with regard to the use of their properties, and to always seek help and information continuously from the city or from the various regional offices across the city.

Mgcina appealed to residents to comply accordingly, or face the consequences.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!