The Unsung Heroes: City Building Inspectors Safeguarding Cape Town Communities

When it comes to community safety, we often think of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics. However, there is a group of professionals whose role in ensuring a secure and healthy built environment is equally important – city building inspectors. In Cape Town, these dedicated individuals are safeguarding communities, particularly in less privileged areas. In this article, we highlight the work of three passionate inspectors who are committed to promoting safe construction practices and fostering community development.

Faizel Amoo: A Seasoned Principal Building Inspector

Faizel Amoo is a Principal Building Inspector who has been serving the City of Cape Town for the past 25 years. His focus has been on areas like Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Eersterivier, and Blackheath. In 2020, he relocated to the Cape Flats. As an ambassador for the city and its building processes, Faizel guides residents from various backgrounds through construction projects while also uplifting less privileged communities.

Ayanda Van Wyk: A Proud Black Female Principal Building Inspector

Ayanda Van Wyk has spent 11 years as a Principal Building Inspector in Gordons Bay. She is proud to be a black female working in a male-dominated field. Ayanda collaborates with contractors, engineers, and government authorities, addressing diverse issues during construction projects. Her expertise proves invaluable in resolving disputes and enforcing compliance, ensuring that the built environment is safe and in line with regulations.

Nompumelelo Williams: A Building Inspector Passionate About Safety

Nompumelelo Williams has been serving the Kuilsriver area as a Building Inspector for the past two and a half years. She is passionate about contributing to a healthy and safe built environment. Nompumelelo diligently conducts inspections in accordance with the City’s objectives, often collaborating with fire services, health, and mechanical personnel to issue clearance reports. She views her enforcement of building regulations and standards as a crucial responsibility, as it protects the public from potential hazards in buildings.

The Role of City Building Inspectors

Building inspectors play a critical role in ensuring compliance with approved building plans and proper construction methods. They also address building complaints and disputes between neighbors, requiring excellent diplomacy and negotiation skills. In August 2023, the City’s Development Department recorded a 98% achievement in approvals on the DAMS 2 online portal, which means building inspectors can expect a surge in inspection bookings as work commences on newly approved development applications.

City building inspectors have a high visibility in their respective areas and assume varied responsibilities, including:

• Conducting compulsory inspections for foundations, drainage, and work completion to ensure safety and conformance to NBR Regulations ACT.
• Providing technical guidance and assistance to builders, architects, and property owners regarding compliance with building regulations.
• Conducting regular site visits to inspect ongoing construction projects, verifying adherence to approved building plans and safety standards.
• Investigating complaints and unauthorized work.
• Following up on legal cases pending in court.
• Preparing occupancy certificates.
• Updating the City’s online planning portal, DAMS, on the status of sites inspected.
• Ensuring that notices are prepared and served correctly.
• Preparing affidavits in respect of all unauthorized building work.

City building inspectors are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to ensure Cape Town’s built environment remains safe and thriving. As property owners, we can register for the City’s e-services to access the DAMS online portal. For any queries related to the electronic submission of building plans and land use applications, residents can email DAMS.System@capetown.gov.za. Let us appreciate the work of inspectors like Faizel Amoo, Nompumelelo Williams, and Ayanda Van Wyk, who are safeguarding our communities and promoting safe construction practices.