Developer says city stonewalling him
DEVELOPER Deepak Bhardwaj claims Ethekwini Municipality is stonewalling construction at his building site in Wanda Cele Road, Toti which was halted on 6 November.
“After approval was granted for rezoning of the site, I submitted plans for a retaining wall, which was approved and I commenced with building. I submitted a second set of plans for a dwelling, which was approved and I started building in October,” said Deepak.
When the SUN initially queried construction at the site, the municipality stated in a press statement on 25 November, it had called a halt to construction after it was established the developer was in contravention of the the National Building Regulation. “Building plans were submitted and approved for a dwelling unit. It was later noted work on the site proceeded beyond the approved plan without notification to the municipality. The department received a complaint, investigated and instituted immediate action in terms of the National Building Regulation,” said municipal spokesman, Thabo Mofokeng in the press statement.
Bhardwaj questioned the municipality's reluctance to let him continue with construction. “I had expected to complete the first phase of the project by December. I submitted amended plans on 10 December and I have yet to hear from the municipality. I want to go on with building.”
He said the development is an investment in the area and that the municipality is totally unjustified in delaying his project. “I want to know what is illegal about my building.”
