14/01/2026
๐ ๐๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฏ๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐น ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐
The Mossel Bay Building Control Section extends its sincere sympathy to those families and property owners affected by the recent veld fires. Some properties were severely damaged, and the Municipality received enquiries on what to do from a building control and public safety perspective.
It is important to draw your attention to potential safety concerns relating to structures that may have been damaged or compromised by the incident. In terms of Section 12 of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act 103 of 1977), no person may occupy or permit the occupation of a building that is unsafe or poses a risk to life or property.
๐๐บ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ
In the interest of your safety and that of the public, property owners are advised to note the following:
โข Do not enter or occupy fire-affected structures until their structural stability has been professionally assessed. Fire damage may not always be visible and can significantly weaken structural elements.
โข Appoint a suitably qualified and competent professional, such as a registered structural engineer to conduct an initial assessment of the building and advise on the safety, habitability and remedial measures of the structures.
โข Where structures are deemed unsafe or partially unsafe, adequate steps must be taken to restrict access. This may include temporary barricading, fencing or other suitable measures to prevent entry by the public, children or unauthorised persons.
โข Be mindful of secondary risks such as falling debris, unstable walls, damaged roofs, compromised electrical installations and fire weakened materials.
๐๐๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐
โข Any repair, alteration or rebuilding work to restore the structures should be done in strict guidance and supervision of appointed professionals. Municipal Building Control officials will be available to provide guidance on applicable requirements where needed.
โข Please retain all professional reports and documentation, as these may be required for insurance purposes and municipal processes.
โข Any repair work that alters the existing structures during the rebuilding process will require a building plan application for consideration and possible approval by the Municipality.
๐ ๐๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐
The Municipalityโs approach at this stage is one of assistance and guidance, with the primary aim of ensuring safety and preventing further harm. Building Control officials are available to engage with property owners and their appointed professionals to provide clarity on regulatory processes.
Should you require guidance or wish to engage with the Building Control Section, please contact the Senior Building Inspector, Mr Keenan Mocke at 044 606 5000 or at [email protected]
Once again, we acknowledge the impact of this unfortunate disaster and trust that, through a coordinated and safety focused approach, recovery and rebuilding can proceed in a fast and secure manner.
