City Task Team inspects problem buildings in Langa and Southfield

To speed up the process and close legislative loopholes that prevent the City from acting effectively against the owners of problem buildings, the task team chaired by Alderman Brian Watkyns, on Monday, 12 October carried out inspections of two more problem buildings. One is in Ndabeni Street, Langa and the other is the derelict Southern Lodge, Victoria Road, Southfield.

In the past, the City has encountered problems in speedily implementing legislation that deals with dilapidated buildings.

"In terms of the draft policy, problem buildings are any buildings which appear to have been abandoned or are derelict or overcrowded and in a deplorable state. Other criteria include buildings which contravene City by-laws, have been invaded by illegal occupants or pose a serious health or safety risk," says Alderman Brian Watkyns, Chairperson: Planning and Environment Portfolio Committee (PEPCO).

Through a pilot project the City's task team on problem building is trying to identify all possible loopholes in the existing derelict and problem building strategy. Rectifying this will enable the City to act against transgressors and ensure that property owners comply with legislation.

In most cases these buildings are unsightly and unsafe, as well as being havens for anti-social and criminal activities.

The task team only deals with problematical formal structures and does not carry out inspections on informal structures.

The owner of the Southern Lodge is selling the property and a possible buyer has been identified. The responsibility to comply with existing legislation will move to the new owner. The buyer has advised the relevant City departments that he is aware of this and intends to comply.

In an attempt to get the owner of the building in Langa to comply with relevant legislation, the City will be going to court on 23 October.

According to Alderman Watkyns, the draft by-law will be submitted to a full public participation process within the next month. This will allow individuals, organised business and organisations to submit comments. Presentations on the by-law will be made at the 23 subcouncils giving all interested parties the opportunity to comment. Once all the comment and submissions have been collated, the by-law will go to Council for approval and will then be promulgated.

Photos of the buildings in Langa and Southfield are available on request.

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Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town