HWANGE – The Hwange Local Board (HLB) has implemented a new by-law making it compulsory for all homeowners to display their property numbers prominently outside their premises. Failure to comply will result in hefty fines, raising concerns amongst some residents.
The HLB issued a public notice explaining the rationale behind the new regulation. The notice states: “We would like to advise residents that in-line with Hwange Local Board by-laws and the Urban Councils Act, Council has made it mandatory for homeowners to display their property number outside, be it anywhere visible on the front of their premise or by the gate. For purposes of easy identification by any member of the service in an emergency, every owner or occupier of premises must ensure that the correct street number of the premises is displayed clearly on the street boundary of the premises in numbers at least 75 millimetres high; is visible from the street and is maintained in a legible condition at all times.”
The board emphasizes the importance of clear property numbering for emergency services. Quick and accurate location identification is crucial in responding to emergencies, such as fires, medical emergencies, or other urgent situations. The new by-law aims to streamline this process, ensuring that emergency responders can quickly locate the correct property.
The HLB has set a deadline of 29 November 2024 for homeowners to comply with the new regulation. Failure to do so will be considered a Level 2 offence, attracting significant fines. The notice specifies a tiered fine structure based on property type: US$10 for high-density properties, US$15 for medium-density, US$20 for low-density, US$25 for commercial properties, and US$40 for industrial properties (both light and heavy). These fines will be added to property owners’ December 2024 rates bills, calculated using the prevailing inter-bank exchange rate.
Beyond property numbers, the HLB is also addressing another significant issue: the numerous buildings, both residential and non-residential, that have been occupied without obtaining the necessary Certificates of Occupation (CO) from the Housing and Community Services Department. This contravenes the council’s Building By-Laws.
The local board has issued a warning to owners of these buildings, urging them to visit the Housing and Community Services Office at Empumalanga to rectify this situation. Owners are required to pay outstanding fees and process their certificates. Failure to comply by 1 November 2024 will result in penalty charges being added to their rates accounts. This action underscores the HLB’s commitment to ensuring compliance with building regulations and maintaining proper records of all properties within the municipality.
