EKURHULENI Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza says the city has moved beyond issuing warnings.
The maspala is now taking firm action to enforce municipal by-laws, following the demolition of the Barcelona Cash and Carry building at Etwatwa in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, on Wednesday, 28 January.
Xhakaza said the operation forms part of the city's ongoing building control and by-laws enforcement programme, aimed at curbing the construction of illegal structures.
"Gone are the days of issuing notices and warnings. We are now acting. Building control enforcement is part of my responsibility, and this is something we will be doing regularly," said Xhakaza.
He warned that business owners who erect structures without the necessary approvals should take note that the city is serious about enforcing compliance.
"This must send a clear message to those who are still thinking of building illegally that we mean business. That's why we are here together with the MMC for Development Planning and Real Estate, to ensure that by-laws are enforced without fear or favour," he said.
Ekurhuleni MMC for Development Planning and Real Estate, Nomadlozi Nkosi, said the demolition was carried out in line with a court order against non-compliant business owners.
Nkosi explained that the owners of Barcelona Cash and Carry had constructed the building without approved building plans and failed to comply with municipal regulations despite being given several opportunities to do so.
"This process did not start today. In December, we engaged with the owners and informed them that the structure wasn't compliant with the city's by-laws," said Nkosi.
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"They were given seven days to comply, then 21 days, and later 28 days, but they failed to do so. A court order was then obtained, instructing them to demolish the structure, which they also ignored. As the city, we are now executing that court order."
Nkosi said the city remains open to supporting businesses that are willing to operate legally and follow all required processes.
"We want to make it clear that the City of Ekurhuleni welcomes business development, but it must be done correctly. All businesses must respect the by-laws and follow proper procedures. Where there is non-compliance, the city will act," she said.
Meanwhile, the owner of the building, Steven Nyanisi, said he was heartbroken by the demolition, which will result in the loss of his rental income. However, he admitted that the structure was not properly constructed.
"The businesspeople have been using my property for the past five years, and they were paying rent," said Nyanisi.
"I understand the law, and I was present in court when the order was made. I've accepted the decision. Even though I'm not employed, I'll try to rebuild again, but I know it will be very difficult," he said.
