Building and land inspectors need to take action

IN recent weeks there have been two ‘legal’ evictions in ward 56 that I am aware of.

The circumstances were similar in each case. The local sheriff arrived with his ‘staff’, removed the illegal tenants’ possessions from the respective houses and deposited them on the pavement. Nothing unusual about that. Job completed, the sheriff and staff departed as did SAPS members who were present to ensure there was no violent outbreak.

What is curious about each event, is, that no private security was present to secure the cleared out residences. While not a legal requirement, each owner would have spent about R10 000 in legal fees to secure the eviction. So, the small cost of additional security is a small price to pay.

Had one of those homes been mine, I would have ensured that the property was protected against re-entry. This was not done, and you guessed it, the evicted tenants moved back into the respective houses.

While there is a high demand for accommodation one of the above homes had more than 35 residents, this in a two bedroom home.

Implications? Unplanned pressure on the sewerage system and the re-entry into the homes brings about a new legal contravention. There are also questions about the validity of the eviction orders.

What would be very good is a council that has adequate numbers for building and land inspectors who could take action and counter the effect of house hijacking and the impact overcrowding has on our suburbs.

Contact me for comment or questions on 011 435-2627, 083 701 8856 or e-mail dkjane@global.co.za

Ward 56 Clr Dennis Jane