The metro has launched a highly visible operation in the inner city focusing on illegal outdoor advertising and other bylaw infringements.

THE City of Tshwane has initiated a vigorous municipal bylaw enforcement operation in the inner city.

Departments such as the Tshwane Metro Police, Health, Community Safety, Agriculture and Environmental Management and City Planning have joined forces to rid the inner city of crime and grime.

The highly visible operation’s focus is on illegal outdoor advertising, crime prevention and law enforcement.

Illegal outdoor advertising in the inner city manifests in various ways. The Municipal Control Outdoor Advertising By Law, 2006 states that no sign shall be displayed in places or in such a manner that it could, in the opinion of the Municipality be detrimental to the character or amenity of neighbourhood or disfigure the surroundings. Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of the By-Law, shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction be liable to a fine or R 10 000,00 or 21 days imprisonment.

An analysis of the inner city indicates that many buildings are being converted illegally contrary to the development controls stipulated in the town planning scheme. These conversions inevitably lead to contraventions of other municipal legislations such as building regulations, health legislation and fire safety legislation.

The City will inspect various shops and businesses for contraventions of zoning rights. Inspections will also be done to see if they comply with building, fire and safety, and health regulations.  The crime prevention and law enforcement part of the operation will focus on liquor licence contraventions, drugs and illegal fire arms.

Building owners will be given 7 days to rectify all contraventions and cease their illegal activities.  If they fail to do so, the municipality will obtain court orders to stop illegal uses.  Court orders will also be obtained for demolition of illegal structures and buildings.

Source: www.tshwane.gov.za