Silverton community demand halt to construction of backyard dwellings

Ratepayers in Silverton are up in arms more than 25 illegal low-cost backroom units constructed on Graniet Street.

The rental units are being flagged for violating zoning regulations.

An alleged construction mafia, which apparently had built low-cost backyard rooms in Meyerspark, Mamelodi and Eersterust, allegedly approached the property owners and proposed to build the dwellings to share in the rental profits.

Residents are concerned about the high occupational density of tenants living in the dwellings and the undue strain on the water and sanitation systems in the already-challenged area.

The metro confirmed it instructed the owners of the single property to immediately stop construction or face the consequences.

According to concerned residents, the owners of the property embarked on the idea to build these small backrooms for rental income.

The residents said the blatant violation of zoning regulations is not only an aesthetic concern, but a safety and health hazard, placing a burden on the community.

On October 8, the residents roped in a lawyer, the TMPD and police to hand over a memorandum of demands to the one owner, pleading with him to halt the construction of the illegal units.

Liezle Möller, chairperson of the community sub-forum, said the units are not suitable for human habitation.

She said unregulated residency comes with a lot of problems such as crime and illegal immigration.

Möller said Silverton already has crime and drug problems and the unlawful dwellings will exacerbate those.

She said the ablution to be used are pit toilets, which violate occupational health and safety regulations.

Tshwane building inspectors inspected the development and instructed the builders to stop.

Sidney Gordon of the Silverton CPF said about 30 small apartments are built on the property, which is zoned for a single residence.

He said this is a zoning violation.

“The small apartments/rooms are also built with precast walling sections, which are not according to the National Building Regulations (SANS 10400) [requirements] for housing purposes,” Gordon said.

He said construction continued, even after the memorandum of demands was submitted to the property owner.

Gordon said Silverton already has electricity, water and sanitation issues, and the added tenants will compound the problem.

“This could also be a breeding ground for increased crime in the area. Rumours have it that migrant foreigners are interested in renting these premises.”

Gordon said the community wants the assurance that the metro will stop the building work.

He said the owner must submit the building plans according to the National Building Regulations (SANS 10400) for approval.

“The occupational density and structures are that of shacks, with precast boundary walls for housing walls with limited toilets and washing facilities.”

He hoped the new Tshwane Council [executive] would still enforce municipal by-laws.

Gordon urged more residents to join their local CPF to fight crime and ensure law and order enforcement.

Möller said they approached the property owners and had a discussion with them. She said the owners said hey are overwhelmed with what is happening.

She alleged the builder of the dwellings was a terrible manipulator and had intimidated the property owners.

Moller further claimed that more such dwellings had been built in areas such as Meyerspark, Mamelodi and Eersterust.

“He built these places on people’s backyards who are in need of money. He then rents these places and he takes a part and the owners of the land get a part of the money,” she said.

Dirk Horstmanshof, one of the three owners of the property on Graniet Street, said they allowed the alleged “construction guy” to proceed, as he convinced them that they would make money.

Hortsmanshof said he didn’t know that they were breaking the law.

“The person approached us and assured us that he can build the dwellings bypassing Tshwane and nothing was going to bother us, and because we are desperate, we agreed.”

He said the “construction guy” promised them they would make money and share the profit.

“He said we shouldn’t worry about zoning, water and sanitation and since we don’t have any money, we agreed and saw this as an opportunity to put food on the table.”

Hortsmanshof said the construction will be halted and they will follow the proper channels of applying for building approvals and zoning.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said following the inspection it was determined that the construction was illegal and in violation of zoning regulations.

Mashigo said the owner of the single property has been served with a contravention notice for illegal building.

He said the metro did not grant the necessary permits and approvals for the construction of these dwellings, including assessments of potential impacts on infrastructure such as electricity and water supply.

“The owners of ERF 395 have been ordered to stop the construction of illegal buildings by the Tshwane metro police as well as building control and building surveyors,” Mashigo concluded.

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