Work on a crumbling white elephant house in Ballito has stalled because of building code violations.

The half-built house on Minerva Road South has been derelict for years and a stop work notice issued by the KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) in September 2021, has further delayed construction.

Senior manager for building and development control at KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM), Thandeka Thwala, acknowledged that the property is closed because of contravening building regulations, and the owner has been issued various contravention notices.

“The property in question was previously involved in unauthorised construction activities, prompting KDM to take corrective action and issue relevant contravention notices,” said Thwala.
“Subsequently, the municipality urged the property developer to discontinue all construction activities subsequent to securing the site.”

However, Delwyn Naidoo, the homeowner’s spokesperson, blamed the on-going delays because of “unreasonable and unjustified issues” raised by neighbours, one party in particular. He wants KDM to withdraw their stop work notice so that work can continue.

Neighbours Paul and Jo-Ann Cogan, speaking on behalf of the affected residents, said all parties were trying to find an amicable solution to the dispute. The Cogans agree that should the owner of the property comply with the building regulations; they would be happy for building to continue.

“We lodged formal objections with KDM in 2021/2022 as the proposed dwelling on 5 Minerva Road South did not comply with the national building regulations or with SPLUMA (The Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act),” said Jo-Ann.

“We met the owners’ representatives in April last year, who agreed to resubmit compliant plans, but have not yet done so. We look forward to a positive outcome for all parties.”

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