Will new advertising by-laws be enforced?
The Ekurhuleni Metro is in the process of submitting new billboard and display advertisement by-laws for public participation, but, will these changes be enforced?
This question is being asked by Clr Heather Hart, DA shadow MMC for City Planning and Economic Development in Ekurhuleni.
“The new by-laws are designed to eradicate the urban decay brought on by the enormous amount of illegal advertising which is threatening the metro’s built-up environment and reduces potential for investment and development,” said Hart.
“However, these by-laws cannot enforce themselves and there are only three civil servants currently employed to manage this issue in the entire metro.
“Unless the metro’s notoriously slow human resources department jacks itself up and employs the extra staff needed to properly monitor and enforce these regulations, the metro will continue to be littered with illegal posters!
“Beyond this, other serious concerns that were brought to council’s attention were that no tariffs had been included in the 16/17 draft tariff schedule for stationary trailer advertising, which will now be allowed.
“In addition, there is no limit placed on suburban signage, which has already proliferated out of control and no provision has been made for community notice boards to assist those who cannot afford mainstream media to advertise their services.
“The DA has asked in the house whether or not it was serious about law enforcement and the eradication of corruption within the city planning department.
“The DA raised the issue of billboards, which were recently erected on most bridges within the metro on the N3 and R24 highways without the approval of Sanral, as required by its own by-laws.
“When Sanral attempted to remove these hoardings, it was met with armed resistance, which begs the question about any possible involvement of the metro in alerting these people to Sanral’s intentions.
“The applications for the hoardings, were submitted in the name of a shelf company and, contrary to the required practice, relevant councillors were not asked for comment.
“But, the DA maintains, more important is that metro still does not have its municipal courts operating properly.
“So, even when the metro has the extra 10 to 15 officials in place, prosecution of transgressors will probably occur at a snail’s pace, if at all.”
Hart added that the DA has requested the Speaker and MMC for City Planning and Economic Development to investigate the approval of these applications and to report back to council accordingly.
“We are giving fair warning to the ruling party that more corruption scandals could hit Ekurhuleni if the ANC do not take action now,” she said.
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