When Cosmo City was launched in Gauteng there was a high standard with, for example, no metal sheeting allowed and no backyard shacks. People were sent for training and recycling was explained. This was going to be a super development for low-to medium-income people. and it sounded great.
The City of Johannesburg has let these people down.
They have built right up to and on their boundary fences, they have built double storeys and shops on their properties. Services are lacking and people dump rubbish in open spaces. And what about a police presence?
Are there different sets of standards for different areas?
The city authorities had an ideal opportunity to control buildings right from the outset and follow up on the recycling programme. They could have made Cosmo City a proud example.
I want to know how and when the authorities intend to remedy the illegal structures and clean the mess.
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