Norwood residents continue to grow frustrated as the number of illegal structures increases

Norwood residents are up in arms with property owners who build illegally.

In a media statement released on February 1, Ward 73 councillor Eleanor Huggett said, “I handed over a petition with over 700 residents’ signatures to the City of Joburg, which called for a halt to the illegal building and land use that is happening in Norwood, and for the city to do its job in enforcing the building and land use by-laws.”

Huggett added she had met with the City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, but was still awaiting a response to this escalating situation.
When contacted for comment, Gwamanda said illegal invasion was a mayoral priority matter and the JMPD had a unit specifically dedicated to this issue.
“Unfortunately, once people have established themselves in an area, to remove them the city requires a court order and is required to provide alternative accommodation,” he added.

“Hence, we always encourage residents to immediately report incidents where they see illegal occupation and invasion to allow the city to act with precision to halt such incidents.”
Gwamanda promised to respond to Hugget, however, he said the process to be followed required the courts and this was not in the control of the City of Johannesburg.
Member of the Norwood Business Association Jason Grove noted that the association worked with ward councillors and ratepayers’ associations to deter slumlords, illegal building and the hijacking of properties, which depreciated the value of the houses in the area.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said they were unaware of any illegal structures in Region E. “The city’s town planning and building control departments are responsible for the building, land use and zoning by-laws. JMPD will only be called by the respective and responsible departments for assistance when it comes to safety and security when enforcing these by-laws.”

However, Hugget said she received feedback on two illegal building sites – 116-118 Ivy Road, and 95-101 Iris Road.
“116-118 Ivy Road received a slap on the wrist and was allowed to continue with their illegal building, and despite 95-101 Iris Road not having any approved demolition order, rezoning, or building approval, the inspectors gave them temporary permission to continue, stating that the building is a ‘legal structure’ at this stage,” she claimed.

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