By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Johannesburg officials shut down two office parks and a construction site in Ormonde because they broke safety building laws.
- The property owners owe the city over R19-million and allegedly used illegal water and electricity connections at their buildings.
The City of Johannesburg has moved in to stop property owners who are breaking the law. This comes after a building collapsed and killed nine people in Ormonde.
City manager Floyd Brink led the team that went to check on buildings owned by New Order Investments. They looked at more than 30 places, including hotels, office parks and flats. They found that many of these buildings were not safe and did not follow the rules.
Three of the properties owe the city about R19.5-million for services. Because of this and other law-breaking, the city shut down two office parks and a construction site.
Officials also cut off the water and lights at three buildings. They found the owners were using illegal connections and did not have proper meters. They are still checking another building where they think the electricity is being stolen.
The city is worried because some buildings were built without the right plans. This has cost the city more than R10-million. They also found people already living in buildings that are still being built.
Brink said the city will not allow people to ignore the law after lives were lost. He said protecting people is more important than the businesses or tenants who have to move out. A full investigation has started, and the results should be ready by mid-May.
Pictured above: A building site that has been closed by the city.
Image source: CoJ
