Dilapidated buildings are an eyesore and abandoned structures become havens for criminal activity. It is for that purpose that the KSD Municipality has developed a by-law for abandoned, dilapidated, and unsightly buildings to deal with such challenges in the city. The aim is to encourage property owners to maintain their properties as buildings contribute to the image of the city.
The development of the by-law is significant to the municipality since it did not previously have a by-law of this kind to address problematic buildings.
The proposed bylaw gives the municipality the right to inspect the structure to determine whether it conforms with any bylaw or other laws.
Following the inspection, the municipality can therefore declare a structure or building as deserted, dilapidated or unappealing.
In accordance with the proposed bylaw, the building is considered abandoned when the owner fails to maintain the structure in accordance with health, fire safety, building management bylaws, and town planning guidelines.
Furthermore, when the building is a place for drug dealing, prostitution and money laundering. On top of that, the property can be determined to be problematic when it is overcrowded, there is no proper water, sewer and electricity infrastructure, or it illegally stores waste material.
Any individual who violates this bylaw will receive a contravention notice, which requires them to make improvements to their property within 90 days or apply for demolition of the structure.
Failure to respond to the notice of violation will result in a fine of R 10,000 being imposed. If the owner disregards the demands of the proposed bylaw, further legal action will be pursued.
The draft bylaw has been made available for the public comments which must be received by April 27, 2023. Written submissions must be forwarded to the address of the Municipal Manager, Mr. N. Pakade, at the Munitata Building, 3rd floor, Office Number 319, Corner Sutherland Street and York Road, Mthatha 5099.
Copies of the bylaw can be obtained at the following municipal buildings:
1. KSD Library, Owen street
2. Mthatha City Hall, Office of the Chief Whip
3. Mqanduli Municipal Offices as well as
4. King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipal Website (www.ksd.gov.za)