Johannesburg — The MMC for Public Safety in Johannesburg, Mgcini Tshwaku, inspected one of the dilapidated buildings in Johannesburg CBD to examine the magnitude of the damages.
The building located on Marshall Street had previously been damaged by a fire, indicating clear neglect and showing the building had failed to comply with fire requirements, a statement said.
During the inspection, Tshwaku noticed that nothing had changed and there were many dangers to the health and safety of the residents living there.
♦️Happening Now ♦️
MMC for Public Safety @MTshwaku has arrived at one of the bad buildings in Marshall Town for inspection. The inspection came after a tip off of a bad building in Marshall Town, JHB CBD . The MMC is accompanied by
@CityofJoburgEMS @JoburgMPD#NomakanjaniManje pic.twitter.com/HZpTTKT7Cu— COJ People’s MMC Public Safety (@PublicSafetyMMC) November 25, 2024
“The team identified unauthorised connections to infrastructure such as electricity and water, which pose serious risks to neighbouring and nearby properties,” Tshwaku said.
Department of Social Development was called to assist four unattended children. Tshwaku described the living conditions as “terrible” and said urgent intervention was needed.
“The building is overcrowded, with approximately 100 families residing on the premises, including many immigrants. The building fails to meet local by-laws on basic health, fire safety and structural standards,” he added.
🚨Watch 🚨
The 242 building has more than 110 occupants and they connected water, electricity and sewer illegally. The MMC @MTshwaku says the building is not safe and residents must evacuated to an alternative accommodation for safety reasons.#Nomakanjanimanjenamhlanje pic.twitter.com/NXVuRVSW2s
— COJ People’s MMC Public Safety (@PublicSafetyMMC) November 25, 2024
Additionally, he directed relevant departments including the Emergency Management Services (EMS) to facilitate the unlawful evacuation procedures and the Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) to investigate illegal activities reported on the property.
He emphasized the City’s zero-tolerance policy towards hazardous and unlawful living conditions, and the city was committed to ensuring its residents had access to safe and decent housing.
“Properties like these undermine our attempts to build a community that works for everyone. We are not only reclaiming these areas but also giving hope to communities who have been neglected and criminalised,” said Tshwaku.
♦️HAPPENING NOW♦️
The office of the MMC for Public Safety has joined the Executive Mayor’s campaign to conduct a “Walk About” in the inner city to assess the city’s infrastructure and hotspot for service delivery challenges.#Nomakanjanimanjenamhlanje #AskPublicSafetyMMC pic.twitter.com/JAihKWZPCr
— COJ People’s MMC Public Safety (@PublicSafetyMMC) November 26, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
