The City of Cape Town has partnered with several role players to combat the scourge of construction mafia in development projects, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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In a joint statement, the City, property development company Atterbury, Old Mutual Properties and others affirmed their commitment to ‘eradicating’ illegality in business.
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Louis van der Watt, Group CEO of Atterbury, says these businesses have all the necessary legal documentation, making it difficult to identify their true nature via standard vetting processes.
‘The construction mafia in Cape Town regularly operates through legally registered entities with valid bank accounts and tax clearance certificates.’
‘Financial statements, company registration documents, directorship information and other business certifications are in order, making it extremely difficult to detect any connections to criminal activities through standard procedures,’ he added.
Van der Watt says the property sector ‘relies heavily’ on the National Treasury to maintain and make available an updated list of black-listed entities, adding that the private sector does not have the resources and capacity that local and national governments have in identifying non-compliant entities.
Furthermore, Atterbury will strengthen its vetting processes for sub-contractors.
‘Together, we can ensure that our construction projects contribute positively to the economy without falling prey to extortionists,’ says Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
‘The City will use all legal means to combat the construction mafia, collaborate and share information with the private sector, and protect our communities from the scourge of organised crime.’
Hill-Lewis further pledged that the City will continue holding National Treasury accountable for maintaining the updated blacklist. This list can be accessed via the National Treasury’s website.
A vetting process for approved community liaison officers to represent local communities will also be established.
In addition, the City is investing in security measures for its public infrastructure projects and launched a City-wide anti-extortion hotline (0800 00 6992 or [email protected].).
Successful tip-offs will be rewarded and anonymous tip-offs are also welcome.
‘We at SAPOA welcome the collaborative efforts of the City of Cape Town and the private sector to address and eradicate the negative influence of the construction mafia that has long hindered property development in our cities,’ says Neil Gopal, CEO of the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA).
‘This decisive action is crucial for the growth and sustainability of our urban areas and the broader South African economy. We hope that this initiative will establish a standard for other municipalities to follow, ensuring a safer and more conducive environment for property development.’
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Also read:
Cape Town to clamp down on equipment used for illegal construction
Picture: EJ Yao / Unsplash