The DA in Kimberley has raised concerns over Sol Plaatje Municipality’s position regarding the illegal land grabs in West End.

For the past three weeks, the DA has monitored the situation in Oat and Fuller Streets in West End after being informed by concerned community members about the situation. 

“The DA inspected the site in question. Upon arrival, we found that the municipality had cleared the area and was in the process of putting up shacks,” said DA Cllr Belinda Moses.

Fencing surrounding the shacks. Picture supplied

The DA confirmed with municipal town planners that the site was intended for future housing development and buyers. The municipal housing unit, however, failed to take note of the zoning ordinance and refused to cease its operations.

“Over the past weeks, I have repeatedly been on site, trying to calm the tensions of people residing in the area. I have been in contact with housing and town planning departments on numerous occasions and also personally made contact with the mayor, who agreed that the shacks are illegal and must be removed.”

However, three shacks remain on the site and Sol Plaatje has since proceeded to also erect fencing around the shacks.

 ‘The housing unit has been hijacked’

“The matter effectively points to the housing unit being hijacked, as it has willfully acted in contravention of municipal regulations. Municipal management has also failed to ensure accountability and consequence management is enforced.”

The DA has pushed for an urgent briefing of the situation after Thursday’s (29/8) council meeting, involving all stakeholders.

‘Municipality clearing area to place remaining three shacks’

“Illegal land grabs must be guarded against and immediately acted upon as they slow the provision of services to settlements, delay planned developments, and disenfranchise people who have patiently awaited development.”

Sol Plaatje spokesperson Thabo Mothibi said the municipality is clearing an area in Marikana to place the remaining three shacks and will consult the affected occupants on Friday (30/8). “The complaints were escalated to our Town Planning and Housing Units when the shacks were erected earlier this month.”

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg