City to deal with “problem” properties

By Mikhaila Crowie
7 March 2009

The City of Cape Town will deal with rundown buildings and abandoned properties in the Metropole.

The City says these buildings are often the centre for anti-social behaviour and attracts criminal activities.

Councillor Brian Watkins, the Chairperson of the Planning and Environment Portfolio said while there are adequate bylaws to deal with these properties, there are practical difficulties in implementing them.

“Up to now we’ve only been able to deal with problem buildings in terms of health issues, fire issues and structural soundness of the building.”

Watkins said there are often anti-social behaviour patterns associated with the building and they were unable to take action.

“We are often unable to trace the owner of the building because the owner has abandoned the building and we can’t find them.”