​It is with disappointment that I note the judgment handed down today by Judge Gayaat Salie Hlophe, in which an illegally erected structure on city owned land was ordered to be rebuilt.

The rebuilding of this illegally erected structure halts the planned development of the site for a recreational facility that would have included a five-a-side soccer pitch for use by the local community and youth in the area.

Despite the City offering two alternative sites for the structure to be built, and making it clear that notice had been given at the time not to erect the illegal structure, the judge still ruled in favour of the occupant of the illegally erected structure. This ruling was made despite the judge challenging the applicants yesterday on why they did not accept the alternatives offered.

While the structure was unoccupied and only partially built when it was removed, we note the Judge’s order.

The City is considering its options regarding the judgment, as well as the valuable community facility which has now been placed in jeopardy.