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SST informal settlement residents in Town Two are in limbo after disgruntled groups prohibited them from moving into two areas earmarked for them.
The settlement opposite Town Two has been in the news after initial plans to relocate them were thwarted by angry Phase 3 informal settlement in Green Point, Site B.
The incident happened on Saturday 17 February when residents had to make way for City officials to fix a leaking sewage system. The irate residents claimed ownership of the land.
A day later, Sunday 18 February, the SST residents were chased away by meat vendors who raised health and safety concerns (“Hawkers bar residents” City Vision 22 February).
As a result, the shack dwellers had to move to their original homes to rebuild their homes.
With winter rains in the horizon, the residents face an uncertain future.
One of the residents, who was among a group of people prevented from erecting their shacks, said they are unsure what the future holds.
She described their living conditions as appalling and the situation as complicated.
“We are still here. I doubt if we will ever move here,” she said.
She stated that nothing tangible came from the City or councillor.
The resident also expressed concerns over their building material and fears over the looming winter rains.
Ward 93 councillor Thando Pimpi stated that they are still looking for an open space to relocate the families.
He said nothing tangible for now adding he is busy engaging with the City officials and community leaders to find an amicable solution to this matter.
“I can’t say when they are going to move from where they are now. But it’s a must for them to relocate from there because the City wants to fix the underground system,” he said adding that as soon as they moved there the City is expected to start working.
Pimpi said he is going to try all in his power to ensure that the shack dwellers are relocated.
