ActionSA has expressed its apprehension regarding the ongoing provision of municipal services to hijacked buildings in Ekurhuleni.
This despite a council motion that was passed in 2022 to disconnect these properties.
To address the issue, the party has submitted a set of questions to the ANC-EFF coalition via the City of Ekurhuleni council, seeking clarification on the reasons behind the lack of disconnection for these buildings.
According to Siyanda Makhubo, ActionSA leader in the City of Ekurhuleni caucus, the party holds a strong belief that individuals engaged in the illegal occupation of buildings should not receive essential municipal services such as water, electricity and refuse removal.
Makhubo stressed the immediate necessity to disconnect these properties as a crucial step in reclaiming them and restoring them to their rightful owners, saying the move aims to uphold the rule of law within the city.
“ActionSA seeks immediate responses from the ANC-EFF members of the mayoral committee about the circumstances that led to these buildings still receiving services, and why they have not been disconnected,” said Makhubo.
Hijacked buildings, which are properties taken over by illegal occupants, have long been a challenge in many cities across the country.
The issue does not only create housing problems for legitimate owners but also poses safety risks and hampers urban development efforts.
ActionSA has raised concerns about the increasing number of unlawfully occupied buildings, stating that this poses a threat to the rule of law and fosters an environment that supports criminal activities.
The party further asserts that the ongoing provision of services to these occupied structures erodes public confidence in the justice system.
“ActionSA believes the proliferation of illegally occupied buildings undermines the rule of law, creating a breeding ground for criminal activities and undermining public trust in the justice system.
“We will therefore continue to lobby the City of Ekurhuleni to take action in this regard,” said Makhubo.
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