DA files motion calling for issue to be addressed

The DA in Nelson Mandela Bay wants the municipality to implement its problem building bylaws which could result in evictions, forced repair work and the demolition of derelict and abandoned structures in the inner city.

The city has more than 120 decaying buildings which have been taken over by criminals who terrorise students and tourists, and over the years have driven investment away because of safety concerns.

Ward 5 councillor Terri Stander has lambasted the metro for failing to enforce the problem buildings bylaw.

The bylaw states no person may abandon a building, fail to maintain a building under the health, fire safety and town planning scheme, conduct or permit the conduct of any criminal activities contemplated or occupy a building illegally.

The bylaw provides for the municipality to take steps to serve notices to property owners; if nothing is done to manage the situation it may evict, demolish or expropriate the buildings.

Stander filed a notice of a motion to be tabled in council with the office of speaker Eugene Johnson calling for the city to deal with problem buildings identified on February 1 in the hopes the matter would be dealt with at the next council meeting.

In the motion, Stander said communities in Ward 5 were under siege because the metro had failed to action available tools, and deploy resources to provide a safe and healthy environment.

“Businesses complain they have to shut down because vandalism of infrastructure cuts power for many days at a time, that their assets and equipment are being stripped and that customers don’t want to visit their premises due to safety concerns,” she said.

“Vandalism of electricity, water and road infrastructure is depleting our taxpayers’ money on repair and replacement deviations, rather than investing it in maintenance and upgrades.

“The burning and chopping up of stolen municipal infrastructure take place at problem buildings as they provide venues for drug abuse, prostitution, human trafficking, rapes, murders and other crimes.”

Stander wants the metro to audit its problem buildings list to establish what notices have been issued to owners of properties and acceded to; and if arrangements or exemptions have been negotiated with owners, among other measures.

Johnson said she had responded to Stander.

“Answers to her questions will be attached in a document that will be tabled at council.”

Asked about the notice for a motion to be tabled, Johnson said: “There is no motion, we are only responding to the questions.”

The next council meeting is scheduled for February 15.

Yesterday, Stander said no proper action had been taken by the city.

“I first filed the motion and questions in August and September 2023, respectively, with several reminders sent to the office of the speaker but each time they were not included in the agenda for council.”