In raising this issue I wish to point out that many attempts by both De Rust Heritage and the Joint Heritage Permit Committee in Oudtshoorn comprising Heritage Oudtshoorn Erfenis and the De Rust Heritage Conservation Association have largely proved unsuccessful in getting the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality to prosecute guilty parties over a number of years.
There are many dedicated staff employed by the Oudtshoorn Municipality and since the DA came to into power following the ANC’s earlier spell in office which bankrupted the Municipality, many of these employees have come to the fore. However, in many cases where municipal by-laws have been fragrantly disregarded, senior municipal officials seem either unable or unwilling to use the available legal means to ensure compliance through the use of the courts. This particularly applies to the Department of Town Planning and Building Control.
In many cases this has resulted in an increasing level of infringements and a significant lessening of the authority of the municipality. It also results in the general devaluation of the properties in a particular area as well as lowering the rates base and consequently revenue for the municipal council. In addition, it is suggested that by applying the by-laws correctly that extra revenue would be generated towards the overall municipal budget to improve service delivery levels.
Some Quick & Easy Solutions
The required proposed course of action is not complex and relies solely on the strict application of the “rule of law” being applied in each of the following areas...
