The City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Development Planning, Cllr Belinda Echeozonjoku held a Blitz on Friday, 22 April 2022 at 178 Oxford Road, Illovo Junction, Sandton.
The Blitz is a law enforcement operation led by the City of Johannesburg’s Region B Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM). The Law enforcement Blitz was conducted following several noise complaints on certain establishments in the area as the property is used as a place of amusement.
The operation targets properties not complying with the City’s building regulations, often allowing people to live in overcrowded, inhumane and unsafe conditions. Properties occupied by more than the prescribed number of people add tremendous pressure to the City’s already aged services infrastructure.
“There are many Blitz operations conducted through the City and success is dependent on the specific outcomes of each Blitz. The City has been successful in getting many of the establishments to comply with City bylaws, besides enforcing compliance the City also encourages the establishments who are transgressing to take the necessary steps to comply,” said Cllr Belinda.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and Development Planning Single law Enforcement Unit are working closely with other stakeholders in ensuring that the City’s by-laws are adhered to as illegal buildings have a significant impact on the City’s infrastructure overall.
The City assures that those who fail to comply will face the full might of the law through the law enforcement process, which includes a rates and taxes penalty tariff increase, and possible prosecution at the City’s Municipal Courts.
Cllr Echeozonjoku also noted that the expected outcome is to confiscate the sound equipment if it is discovered that they are playing loud music as per complaint.
“Besides attending to the complaints against the establishment the operation also encourage them to apply for the necessary development planning processes so as to be on the right side of the law,” added Echeozonjoku.
Although the operations brings justice to its people, it also comes with challenges of its own as sometimes transgressors are tipped-off and shut down their business operations. As such, the City staff also tries to operate undercover to counter this effect.
Operations like Blitz also need continuous monitoring to make sure that establishments are consistent in their adherence to City laws, but it requires resources and man-power which is a limit for the City.
The City appeals to all residents, developers and stakeholders to refrain from illegal activities, and play their part in bringing Johannesburg back to its former glory and to comply with all building regulations and other safety by-laws.
To report any illegal buildings and illegal land uses, contact your local regional officer in all seven regions (A-G), or email the Development Planning Law Enforcement Unit office at complaintsple@joburg.org.za, situated on the 5th floor of the Metro Centre on 158 Loveday Street.
“The City cannot allow law-abiding residents to be held at ransom by brazen criminality in their communities. It is committed to following up on all the notices issued to ensure all necessary processes are followed so that these transgressors are brought to book,” said Cllr Echeozonjoku.
Written by Gontse Gee Hlophe
26/04/2022