Building regulations are being disregarded throughout the municipal area of Mafube. This is a serious concern for Mafube Besigheidsorum (MBF), and should be for every property owner in the area. If building regulations are not followed, service delivery, health, safety and well-being of a community suffer. A further disadvantage is its negative effect on property values, which deters investment for further development.
A Spatial Development Framework workshop was held during late-2023, sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. Prior to this, Mafube Local Municipality (MPM) adopted the Mafube Land Use Scheme, 2022 as approved by Council on 10 June 2022 as per Resolution 194(g). The said Mafube Land Use Scheme, 2022 came into effect on 26 August 2022. Despite MPM complying with relevant legislation and having an appropriate by-law in place, implementation of the legislative framework and enforcement of the by-laws is lacking.
It appears from a recent inspection of properties in Frankfort and Villiers that building standards as determined in the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977 are not being met.
With the recent George disaster in mind, safety should be the first priority for developers. During new developments, additions and renovations, it is not only the workers who must be safe at all times, but also the public. It must also be taken into account whether the municipal infrastructure will be able to accommodate the developments - think of sewage disposal, water supply and the like. Zoning and classification of a plot must also be taken into account: Infrastructure for a "Single-Unit Plot" is not sufficient for a "Multi-Unit Plot". Not only are the sewers and water supply under pressure, but also the road. In the same way, a business cannot be run from a residential area.
Although aesthetics is a relative concept, a professional and neat appearance of business buildings is essential. But this is not always taken into account these days either. The example below is that of a commercial property in Villiers. The illegal additions make the once proud and attractive building an eyesore and negatively affect the building's own value, as well as the buildings in its vicinity. In this way, investors are deterred and criminals are drawn closer - "Broken window syndrome.". The big question arises as to why this was allowed and why there has been no action from MPM since it was reported in 2022.
MBF invites residents, business owners and taxpayers to visit our offices at 18A Church Street, Frankfort on Mondays to Thursdays from 08h30 to 16h00 and Fridays 08h30 to 12h00. Call or send a WhatsApp message to Marina on 079 145 4295. Visit our website www.mafubebf.org and follow us on Facebook.
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