MMC for Environment & Agriculture Management, Cllr. Obakeng Ramabodu, and the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health Services, Cllr. Tshegofatso Mashabela at the municipal by laws photos supplied
By Cllr Obakeng Ramabodu
MMC for Environment & Agriculture Management
The City of Tshwane, through a joint inter-departmental operation led by the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment & Agriculture Management, Cllr. Obakeng Ramabodu, and the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health Services, Cllr. Tshegofatso Mashabela carried out an intensive operation in Sunnyside on Tuesday, alongside the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD).
The Environment & Agriculture Management Department is responsible for ensuring
that city spaces remain law-abiding, clean, and compliant. During the operation, the Health Services Department enforced health standards, food safety rules, and lawful
accommodation conditions.
As demonstrated during the operation, both departments share a mandate to defend the health and safety of residents and to confront the urban
decay taking root in areas such as Sunny Park and the surrounding precincts.
The operation revealed that some business owners were not complying with municipal by-laws, as premises were littered with waste and had inadequate numbers of refuse containers.
Disposal of waste in areas not marked for waste management purposes, which resulted in the littering was observed.
Failure to clean outside areas forming
part of the business resulted in waste material build-up running into drainage systems.
Compliance notices were issued to businesses to address identified contraventions.
The operation further exposed serious unacceptable conduct concealed behind the appearance of hospitality businesses.
Several establishments are operating as illegal brothels while presenting themselves as hotels.
Various activities constituting serious violations such as non-availability of documents authorising business operations, fraudulent licenses, filthy and unsafe business conditions, and excessive infestations were noted during the operation.
To give effect to the operation, law enforcement agencies proceeded to shut down some of the businesses, such as brothels, that violated a vast array of municipal bylaws and other requirements.
This is necessary to protect the environment and ensure that these businesses comply with all the requirements.
All other aspects of non-compliance with other bylaws of the city will be referred to relevant departments in the municipalities for further attention.
The city’s leadership will not allow a filthy environment to exist that is harmful to the health and well-being of our residents.
Operations of this nature will continue taking place throughout the municipality, to improved compliance by businesses.
We call on the residents and all stakeholders to work closely with the leadership of the municipality and its administration, to ensure our environment is safe and clean for all
the people of Tshwane.
Tshwane Talks readers have been able to read stories in this publication for free for over two years now. We still want our readers to access our stories for free, but we are asking those among our readers who can afford it to contribute at least R30 a month to cover some of the costs of publishing this independent, non-aligned online newspaper which gives a voice to all sectors of society irrespective of race, colour, creed, religion, or political affiliation. You may make your contribution by depositing at least R30 a month into Tshwane Talks' bank account. Details are as follows:
Bank Details
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Number: 10225548834
Account Type: Cheque Account