Illovo residents may soon get answers on vacant city property
Johannesburg Property Company says erf 139 in Illovo is currently undergoing an internal review, following residents’ complaints over illegal car washes, advertising, and overgrowth.
The Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) says vacant erf 139, in Illovo, is currently undergoing an internal review process before it can be released for leasing through a public tender.
This follows growing concerns from residents, businesses, and Ward 90 councillor Renate van Onselen over the deteriorating condition of the city-owned property on the corner of North Road and Corlett Drive.
Read more: Concerns grow over deteriorating Johannesburg Property Company space in Illovo
JPC spokesperson Lucky Sindane said: “The property is under internal circulation to confirm that the city does not need the property for basic municipal services. After we have received comments from relevant department and entities, including the councillor, we will release the property for lease via tender.”
Residents reported that the property, previously used as a paid parking lot, has stood vacant for several years, becoming the subject of complaints relating to alleged illegal activities, overgrown vegetation, and vandalism.
Trustees from nearby Oxford Court previously told the publication they had attempted to engage with JPC over the possibility of leasing and managing the property themselves, in an effort to maintain and secure the site.
Also read: City cracks down on hijacked property in Bryanston, arrest made
However, Sindane said JPC had not received a formal application regarding the property. “We have not received a formal request. The circulation was based on our discussion with councillor and our site inspection.”
Responding to concerns raised over reports of attempted illegal developments on the site, including the establishment of a car wash, unauthorised advertising structures, and informal taxi activity, Sindane said: “Our action will start after receiving circulation comments.
“The normal timeline to award a tender is nine months from receiving circulation comments.
This timeline might be affected by the local elections happening this year. We will clean and secure the property after receiving comments. This should be done before the end of June.”
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