Ward 106 Clr notes increase of vagrants in Alberton

Vagrants camping and loitering at the corner of St Austell Street and Ring Road West in New Redruth were removed together with their belongings on September 10.

This was part of the EMPD’s clean-up operation announced earlier this year, following calls of dismay about the growing numbers of pitched tents.

Ward 106 Clr Tim Denny said he noted an increase of vagrants in the community.

“This issue in Alberton has grown exponentially during the time of the coronavirus and has been growing since. It is a direct indication of the terrible socioeconomic situation in our country. Our Alberton community is, on the other hand, a tremendously giving community, which attracts vagrants or unemployed and the vulnerable,” he said.

He said: “As fast as the EMPD moves and tries to prevent these vulnerable people from setting up shop in our town, the faster they return, as they do have a sympathetic ear concerning many Albertonians.”

Denny said a temporary solution would be a night shelter, which he and his team will be attempting to identify with the help of the organisation, Alberton LOTS.

Until then, he reiterated that as a councillor, all he has done is to follow the process, which is to call the EMPD and request them to move the people.

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