CITY'S CRACKDOWN ON PROBLEM BUILDINGS

More than 500 houses closed

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

IN AN aggressive move to clamp down on problem buildings in Cape Town, 922 buildings have been identified, with concerned residents holding the mayor's office to account.

The City has closed more than 500 problem houses in the past five years, with just over 300 still being investigated for possible closure and demolition. The City said at the core of their challenge was tracing owners, which delays the process.

The City said their Law Enforcement Problem Building Unit (PBU) has 922 buildings on its list. Of these, 35% are active investigations, with most being monitored to ensure continued compliance.

"Operationally, there is also greater synergy with other City departments like Finance and Legal Services who now work closely with the PBU to manage City-owned, private, and parastatal properties that fall under the scope of the by-law," said the City.