Midvaal Local Municipality wishes to caution residents against the illegal occupation and unauthorised sale of land. This comes after the municipality intervened to prevent the erection of structures on land in Elandsfontein, preventing the unlawful occupation on July 4 and 5.

According to the municipality, no building or development approvals had been obtained for the construction. The municipality instructed its appointed security service provider to prevent the erection of the structures.

The operation was conducted with the presence and support of law enforcement, who attended the scene to help ensure that the process was carried out safely and without incident.

The municipality wishes to reiterate that construction without the required municipal approvals raises significant concerns for spatial planning and occupant safety, and it cannot be permitted to proceed unchecked while approvals are outstanding.

The illegal occupation and sale of land have left many residents at risk of financial loss and displacement. Areas developed outside approved planning processes often lack the bulk infrastructure required to provide essential services such as water, sanitation, and electricity, which can negatively affect the quality of life of those residing there.

Midvaal reaffirms its commitment to supporting sustainable human settlement development, citing that it continues to work closely with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements to address housing needs.

“We urge residents to work with the municipality to protect land parcels that will become critical in addressing housing needs by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious land occupations to the authorities.”

The municipality says it will continue to act, within the framework of the law, to ensure that development within its jurisdiction, including in Elandsfontein, takes place in an orderly manner and in accordance with the required approvals.