In order to improve service delivery, the City of Cape Town is promulgating a by-law conferring the right of entry to City officials onto premises.

The draft Access to Premises By-law addresses the issue of access into non-City owned premises for service providers that provide a municipal service on behalf of the City, without necessarily having to obtain the consent of the owner, where the owner is not available or his or her whereabouts are unknown.

In many instances, municipal service providers engaged by the City need to read, inspect, install, disconnect or repair meters or service connections for reticulation. They may also need to construct, erect and lay public sewers, drains, water, electricity and gas mains across, through, over or under streets or immovable property, and are not able to gain the access necessary to discharge their duties.

The by-law is intended to resolve this issue so that the City is able to deliver and improve its services, which include providing roads, distributing electricity, water and sewerage systems, treating wastewater, providing public health, traffic safety, urban planning services and sites and services for housing.

Copies of the draft Access to Premises by-law may be obtained at libraries and municipal offices or by clicking here.

The closing date for public comment is 22 September 2009.

For further enquiries and submission of comments please contact:

Mr Nqobile Damane
Tel: 021 400 1934/7
Fax: 021 400 4846
Cell: 076 961 3160
E-mail: nqobile.damane@capetown.gov.za