Emalahleni Local Municipality together with the Red Ants, took to the streets, where several buildings were demolished last week.
Demolitions took place in Allemein, French and Gideon Scheepers streets, where illegal buildings were knocked down.
As explained repeatedly by the municipality and Building Control Officer, Mr Kobus Tanner, residents are given plenty of warning before a case is referred to court. Once a court order is given for an illegal structure to be removed, the municipality is well within right to do so as soon as possible.
On Wednesday, March 25 the demolition team arrived in French Street, where they had to remove several Wendy houses from a single stand. The residential home on the stand had also been altered without any legal plans.
“We don’t want to break down such an old house,” Tanner stated on scene, showing the blue prints of the original structure. “This house is probably as old as the city itself. Unfortunately it’s been extended illegally to house more occupants,” Tanner explained, showing how the original structure had been altered and extended without proper plans.
The owner of the residence arrived on scene shortly after the demolition team. The situation was tense as last minute efforts to rectify the situation were denied.
“There are procedures to follow. Chances were given to have building plans approved or rectified, but were never done so.”
As previously explained; it costs the city thousands to repair sewerage leakages and problems arising from over-populated suburbs, where the total of residents exceeds the amount expected from a single household.
Profitable only to the owners running illegal guesthouses or businesses, the growth of illegal structures keeps the city in debt.
Since the demolition project started last year, a database had been set up to keep track of the residences built up illegally and a system is in place to clear the city of all illegal premises.
Video of Mr Tanner talking to home owner:
Gallery of the demolition:
