Thousands of illegal buildings and businesses mushrooming across Johannesburg are putting enormous pressure on the city’s infrastructure, resulting in constant water bursts, electricity outages, illegal dumping and potholes.

And to add insult to injury, these illegal buildings are costing the city millions, as additional structures bring additional rates and taxes which are not charged or paid as they are not on record.

The problem seems to stem from the city’s slowness in approving plans, often leading to people building illegally or paying bribes to expedite plans...