Congregation waits under tree for Sol
He pointed out that this had been reduced from more than 2 000 plans at the beginning of last year.
“In December alone we approved more than 250 plans,” Matsie added.
He also said that the municipal manager, Goolam Akharwaray, had raised the issue following complaints from members of the public and had requested that the system be streamlined.
“Instead of going from one department then to another, he has requested that plans be sent simultaneously to all departments for their comments.
“We will monitor the situation to determine whether this is working effectively.”
Matsie also said part of the backlog was due to the fact that in the past the municipality first determined the status of an applicant before plans were approved.
“We looked at things like whether the applicant was registered as an indigent or whether he was in arrears with the municipality,” Matsie said.
“It was, however, pointed out that there was no legal basis for this, so the town planning department had to go back and review all those plans that were rejected on this basis.”
Applications that are straightforward and do not require input from other government departments should, according to Matsie, take no longer than between 30 and 60 days to be approved.
“Building plans less than 500 square metres should, in terms of legislation, be approved within 30 days and those larger than 500 square metres within 60 days.” Some plans, however, date back many years. “Some outstanding queries – specifically those relating to the status of the applicant – might date back 10 years.”