City clamps down on building without approved plans
The Department of Development Planning will soon embark on a public awareness campaign.
Over the past four months, the Department of Development Planning has issued close to 300 compliance notices to property owners who have erected illegal structures without approved building plans.
The department has building inspection teams across the city whose main function is to ensure that all formal construction within the city follows the national building regulations and conforms to the conditions of the approved building plans.
Should a property owner start building without approved plans, they will be issued a notice. The owner also has to stop building immediately and submit plans to the city for approval within 30 days.
Should the owner fail to comply with the notice, rates penalties may be imposed, and the matter will be referred to the Development Planning law enforcement unit for legal processes to commence. This may lead to the demolition of the unoccupied illegal structure.
The same applies to owners that deviate from the approved plans during construction, as a notice can be issued by the inspectors informing the property owner of the deviation and steps to be taken to rectify it.
MMC for Development Planning Belinda Echeozonjoku has noted with concern the continued contravention of city bylaws and National Legislation.
“The department will continue to enforce both National Legislation and its bylaws. Residents, property owners and businesses must comply to avoid penalties and fines, which will ultimately eat at the pockets of property owners and delay work,” she said.
The MMC has also committed that the Department of Development Planning will embark on a public awareness campaign, starting with identified hotspot areas to educate residents, property owners and businesses.
“The city does not intend to punish property owners and developers. We are a business-friendly city, but all of that must be done within the limits of the law.
“We are hoping that these public awareness campaigns will assist in educating property owners. Development Planning officials are available and willing to advise on building and land use matters,” noted Echeozonjoku.
