News / Local
36 buildings in Byo city centre considered abandoned
27 Aug 2011 at 04:53hrs | Views
In Bulawayo, the structural integrity, physical appearance, proper functionality of all services, sewer and water and electricity reticulation mains of a building, is monitored to ensure compliance to the Model Building By Laws of 1977.
To this end, 36 buildings in the city centre were this year considered abandoned, dilapidated or derelict and compliance notices were issued as per statutory requirement as such structures are in contravention of Section 48, the Dangerous Buildings and Section 49, Dilapidated and Unsightly Buildings and Defective Sewerage Systems of the model building By - Laws , 1977, Section 214, of the Bulawayo (buildings, roads and streets) By Laws 1971.
"Non - compliance notices have been issued to owners of structures but there has been a poor response from owners. Council has latitude to rectify the wrong and recover the costs but this is hindered by cost implications," said Mr Isaiah Magagula, the Director of Housing and Community Services. Council has faced a number of challenges which include amendments in the By - laws which are necessary to enable Council to penalize offenders and enforcement challenges.
Strategies to be implemented also include pro-active planning to rezone areas and continuous monitoring of the Public Buildings and issuance of compliance certificates annually.
Council is planning to change the policy so as to fine offenders , so that any debts arising out of the removal of the nuisance (where Council has intervened to remove the offending nuisance) shall constitute a lien on the land upon which the nuisance is located. The City will also be able to collect any unpaid expenses and costs incurred in remedying a contravention of By laws by Civil Action for debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Monitoring of Model Building By - Laws is done to ensure that all buildings adhere to Council By Laws and Safety laws.
To this end, 36 buildings in the city centre were this year considered abandoned, dilapidated or derelict and compliance notices were issued as per statutory requirement as such structures are in contravention of Section 48, the Dangerous Buildings and Section 49, Dilapidated and Unsightly Buildings and Defective Sewerage Systems of the model building By - Laws , 1977, Section 214, of the Bulawayo (buildings, roads and streets) By Laws 1971.
"Non - compliance notices have been issued to owners of structures but there has been a poor response from owners. Council has latitude to rectify the wrong and recover the costs but this is hindered by cost implications," said Mr Isaiah Magagula, the Director of Housing and Community Services. Council has faced a number of challenges which include amendments in the By - laws which are necessary to enable Council to penalize offenders and enforcement challenges.
Strategies to be implemented also include pro-active planning to rezone areas and continuous monitoring of the Public Buildings and issuance of compliance certificates annually.
Council is planning to change the policy so as to fine offenders , so that any debts arising out of the removal of the nuisance (where Council has intervened to remove the offending nuisance) shall constitute a lien on the land upon which the nuisance is located. The City will also be able to collect any unpaid expenses and costs incurred in remedying a contravention of By laws by Civil Action for debt in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Monitoring of Model Building By - Laws is done to ensure that all buildings adhere to Council By Laws and Safety laws.
Source - BCC
