City cracks down on Greymont’s hijacked buildings and illegal connections
Two properties were identified while uncovering illegal utility connections and hijacked properties, as the city intensified weekly enforcement operations across Region B.
Newly appointed deputy director of integrated service delivery Xolani Maquba says the city’s latest multi-disciplinary enforcement operation in Greymont forms part of an ongoing regional crackdown on hijacked buildings, illegal utility connections, and non-compliant businesses.
Speaking during the operation on May 13, Maquba said Greymont had been identified following inspections by municipal teams which uncovered several contraventions and problematic properties in the area.
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According to Maquba, the operation involved several municipal entities working together to tackle long-standing service delivery and by-law enforcement challenges.
He said the city identified issues ranging from hijacked and poorly maintained properties to illegal business operations, damaged infrastructure, storm water drainage problems, and illegal electricity connections.
He added that neglected open spaces and properties posed further risks to communities. “Once it’s left unattended, there’s a potential of creating a number of problems and it can become a crime hotspot.”
Among the issues uncovered during inspections were illegally connected water, sewage, and electricity systems at properties in Greymont, including along 4th Road and 5th Street.
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Officials also identified a property where sewage had allegedly been illegally redirected after excavation work outside the premises, with waste reportedly flowing toward the Greymont Bridge area. City teams further raised concerns about pressure being placed on municipal infrastructure due to illegal connections and overloaded systems.
Maquba said environmental health officials and building inspectors issued several notices during the operation. He added that one accommodation business targeted during the operation allegedly lacked the necessary permit to operate legally.
Maquba explained that enforcement processes often extended beyond a single operation, as property owners or occupants are given time to comply before further action is taken.
He noted that citizen relationship and urban management and all relevant entities will continue to do the work that is required in the city through active visibility and continued enforcement during their operations.
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