The Department of Development Planning Single Law Enforcement (SLE) unit yesterday, 1 September, carried out the demolition of 21 brick and mortar structures that have been illegally built on a wetland owned by two City of Johannesburg entities in Ebony Park.
According to SLE, the land, owned by Joburg Property Company (JPC) and the Joburg City Parks and Zoo, was never allocated and was illegally invaded.
It further served notices to 11 illegal structures, for flouting City regulations and illegally building on the wetland – a number of these had already been occupied.
Law enforcement officers will closely monitor the area, and its surrounds, to ensure that illegal building does not continue, as some structures are as far as roofing stage.
A nearby park that was unveiled only a few years ago has been vandalised as a result of the land invasions.
Officials were forced to pull back from the operation after angry residents continued to converge, despite efforts by JMPD officers to disperse the group.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Development Planning, Thapelo Amad, said the operation was intended to curb lawlessness in the City and urged all residents to adhere to its regulations and refrain from illegal land grabs.
“These demolitions were not intended to punish residents, but rather to teach them and encouraging people to take ownership and pride of their city. We want to drive Johannesburg to be a world class African City,” said MMC Amad.
He added that as the custodians of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, Development has the duty to promote the legalities of all structures.
“We do our best to empower communities by educating them on the various programmes and activities of the Department and are available to guide residents of how they can comply,” Amad said.
