The Maitland Ratepayers and Residents Association has urged the City of Cape Town to take immediate and decisive action to ensure building regulations are adhered to.
A placard protest was held outside a new multi-story development on Janssens Road on Saturday to highlight the negligence in upholding municipal by-laws.
The association wants to protect the community’s interest, residential character, and historical heritage, said Chairperson Faiek Fredericks.
He said there were illegal building activities and zoning violations, coupled with a lack of enforcement and accountability.
He said the continued neglect of these issues will not only deteriorate Maitland’s living conditions but also set a dangerous precedent for future developments.
Fredericks handed a memorandum to the city with key concerns and recommendations regarding community safety, enforcement of building by-laws, and cooperative efforts between law enforcement, security companies, and community safety structures within sub-council 3.
“It is deeply concerning to see the blatant disregard for city spatial planning by-laws, particularly on Janssens Road. The transformation of a generational family home into a multi-unit dwelling without approved plans and against zoning laws has raised alarm among residents,” Fredericks said.
He said that despite the issuance of fines, illegal construction continues at an alarming rate, even on weekends. He said the city should not permit densification without necessary infrastructure upgrades.
“The failure to uphold stop work orders and enforce regulations undermines the integrity of city planning. Unauthorised developments threaten the character of the neighbourhood and reduce property values,” he said.
Fredericks said that the existing sewer infrastructure is already under significant strain.
“The uncontrolled densification of properties without proper infrastructure upgrades will exacerbate sanitation issues, which were previously discussed with city officials. A lack of transparency and prompt action has frustrated residents and eroded trust in local governance,” Fredericks said.
The association suggested that additional building inspectors be employed to improve oversight. The association called for enhanced collaboration between Neighbourhood Watch groups, the SAPS, and municipal authorities
“The City of Cape Town must ensure swift action on stop work orders and issue immediate penalties for non-compliance. They must provide transparency in municipal actions and engage with affected communities,” Fredericks said.
Cape Town Ward 56 councillor Cheslyn Steenberg said he had received a copy of the memorandum and handed it over to the sub-council.
Steenberg said he supported the picket and action taken by the community, adding that it comes at a time when by-laws were not being respected by developers.
Steenberg was concerned about the burden that developments would have on the state of infrastructure, including domestic waste removal.
He said it is time the city took its laws seriously. Steenberg said that despite an inspector being present, the developer continued with construction.
“We have not been taken seriously. The community has sent a clear message to the developers that Maitland is not a cash cow. We are not an affluent community. They need to understand that this is an old community with heritage values. They would not like to see developers milk the area and leave nothing for the people of Maitland. If the city was serious, it would have taken a harsher stance on the situation.”
City of Cape Town spokesperson Tarryn Carelse said she will collate information from the various departments and respond accordingly.
