(1) Where a building or any part of a building, has become, or shows signs of becoming dangerous, the local authority may, by written notice served upon the owner or, if the owner cannot be found, the occupier of the building-

a) direct him to take such action as may be specified in the notice, or such other action as may be specified by the local authority in order to terminate or prevent the danger; and

b)specify the period within which such action shall be taken:

Provided that, if such notice is served upon an occupier, he may notify the local authority that he intends to vacate the building or part concerned within the period specified in terms of paragraph(b), and, if the occupier does so vacate the building or part concerned, he shall not be obliged to comply with the notice.

(2)Where the local authority proposes to serve a notice in terms of subsection(1), it shall, before serving such notice-

a) cause the prospective recipient thereof to be-

i) advised, in writing, of such intention, and of the reasons therefor; and

ii) afforded a reasonable opportunity of lodging written objections thereto oe written representations in respect thereof; and

b) consider all objections and representations lodged in terms of paragraph (a).

(3) Where the state of a building, or anything in or on a building, is such as to constitute a source of imminent and continuing danger to persons in, or in the vicinity of, the building, the local authority may-

a) direct any person in the building to leave the building to leave the building forthwith or within such reasonable period as it may specify; and

b) prohibit any person from entering the building; and

c) give directions as to how persons shall enter or vacate the building, and as to which parts of the building may be visited or used; and

d) at the expense of the owner, erect fences, cordons or barriers to restrict the public from approaching the building; and

e) take such other measures, including the demolition of the building, after reasonable notice, served upon the owner, as it deems necessary in order to safeguard the public, and charge the owner for any expenses reasonable incurred in so doing.

(4) The local authority may erect a clearly legible notice, in a conspicuous place outside a dangerous building, or in vicinity thereof, controlling entry into and approach towards the building, and no person shall disregard any such notice.

(5) The letters and figures on any notice erected in terms of subsection(4) shall measure not less than fifty millimeters in height.

(6) Where the local authority has ordered persons to leave a building, prohibited persons from entering a building, or erected a notice in terms of subsection(4), a police may, upon being requested so to do by the local authority, forcibly remove or restrain any person who disregards any such order, prohibition or notice