Land grabbing concerns Arandis town council

The Arandis Town Council has expressed concern over illegal structures that are being put up by the town’s residents.
“We have noted with concern that people are putting up structures illegally, without approval from the council,” said Andrew !Hoaeb, communications officer at the Arandis Town council.
!Hoaeb called upon all residents intending to erect any buildings within the municipal area to apply in writing for the approval of the council on a form prescribed by the town engineer, which should be accompanied by plans drawn in accordance with regulations in place.
The submissions shall consist of “a bloc plan drawn to a scale of not less than one in 1000 and showing the relation of the building to any other existing structures, also drawn to scale of not less than one in100 and showing the height and thickness of the foundations and the level of the ground floor and the positions of the damp course amongst others,” he said.
According to the council’s monthly newsletter, all plans submitted by residents to the town council will be presented in duplicate to the town engineer.
Furthermore, in compliance with regulations in place, “all plans shall have the signature of the owner of the proposed building or the person who will carry out the building work shown on such plans,” !Hoaeb added.
As part of ongoing efforts to regulate business operations at the town, renewal and registration for new businesses will commence in March. During this time, business owners are required to contact the council to register.
An inspection will be carried out after registration by the council’s appointed environmental health officer in order for business owners to be awarded with fitness certificates.
“One needs to comply with the health regulations where after a fitness certificate is issued by Council. If there are issues identified to be rectified, a report detailing these is provided to the business owner,” !Hoaeb said.