Double-storey shacks a concern to JMPD

The rapid increase of double-storey shacks in Zandspruit worries the JMPD bylaws department.

During a community meeting held at Masakhane Community Centre on 22 September, Superintendent Wandile Mrubata of JMPD warned residents about the illegal building of double-storey shacks.

“We have noticed the mushrooming of upstairs shacks in the informal settlement. Some households have created upstairs structures built from scraps which is not allowed,” said Supt Mrubata.

“We have moved around the informal settlement and we are still going to discuss this issue with the housing department,” he said and added that these householders will be dealt with.

Supt Mrubata also raised an issue of people who have without authority taken occupation of lands in Zandspruit.

“These people already built permanent structures in these lands and they weren’t permitted to do so,” he said.

Mrubata said they have already served some of the shack dwellers with eviction letters.

“If they don’t comply, we will be left with no choice but to demolish the houses because the land belongs to government,” said Mrubata at the community meeting.

He said some of these people claimed they were permitted to build their structures by the community leaders but refused to divulge the names.

“What I am saying is, you are not allowed to do this, and whoever is selling these stands will have to be dealt with,” concluded Supt Mrubata.

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