Municipality responds to Eiffel Tower debacle, owner seeks legal advice

Dumisani Thabethe, Head of Communications stated the following in his response:

“Your article titled ‘Creating a local world wonder’ and published on January 18 is littered with inconsistencies and contradictions purported by the property owner of Erf 353 Newcastle.”

ORIGINAL STORY: Newcastle’s Eiffel Tower halted by municipality

He went on to say: “It will help no course to single out other than to advise that there is only one institution which adjudicates on City Planning matters and that is the Newcastle Municipality located at number 37 Murchison Street: City Planning offices: 4th Floor.”

In his scathing reply, Dr Thabethe mentions the seeming lack of understanding for planning consideration and principles of urbanism exhibited by the owner of the mentioned premises on this article. He describes this as ‘excusable’.

Rahim Kader, owner of the property and visionary behind the idea of the Eiffel Tower, displayed his dissatisfaction with the municipality and said an official visited him after the article was published to question him on his motives.

Kader confirms he will now seek legal advice, as he believes the construction of the structure complied with the National Building Regulations Act.

He could not comprehend the rationale behind the rejection of the building.

“I will be taking the matter up with my lawyer as the municipality has not given me clear reasons why I cannot continue with the building,” says Kader. Dr Thabethe however advised Kader to “…make contact with the relevant department to determine the way forward with regards to his matter.”

ORIGINAL STORY: Newcastle’s Eiffel Tower halted by municipality

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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za

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