IN October/November I went to the municipal offices to enquire about my neighbour’s premises that is slowly developing into an informal settlement.
At the beginning of the year they had one wendy house up which I took as some form of storage facility.
Later, I noticed a second and then a third and then discovered that it was, in fact, living quarters.
Even the actual main house has been sub-divided and leased out in sections.
I asked the municipality if this was up to standard and if a person was allowed to do such things. The advice given was to report it to town planning and another division several floors up. I have notified both divisions.
We are now approaching February and there is no change. I noticed several people proceeding in and out the premises with measuring devices again. So now my concerns start all over again. Are they going to be adding more, and if so I am sure this cannot be legal.
I have spoken to a few of the other neighbours and they said they also raised concerns last year.
I tried to get plans approved to add a laundry room to my premises. This took several months and a lot of phone calls and was eventually denied. Now a new person purchased in the street, they move in and immediately start full construction on the premises in less than a week. How is this right and fair?
I have to ask the following questions:
1) Are we to turn a blind eye and not have concerns about our neighbourhood because the municipality will not do anything?
2) What is stopping the street that we stay in from becoming an informal settlement?
3) How is it that there are houses being converted into businesses without question?
4) Have we become a society where one can do what you want as long as you have the funds/bribes to back you up?
I have lived in Alberton for almost 20 years and this is not the place I came to love.
Worried
The RECORD contacted the EMM as well as town planning for comment but neither responded.
If any of our readers have had similar experiences, let us know. You can forward all details to cvdwalt@caxton.co.za or davidp@caxton.co.za
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