Several Alberton North businesses feel that they pay so much in rates and taxes and yet are getting no service and no help.
General Hinges and Aluminium Frames, based in Union Street, are at a point of possibly moving overseas due to what they describe as a relentless situation at their hands.
They have spent thousands of Rands ensuring that they beef up their security at their Alberton North factory to protect machinery and keep their staff safe.
They, and other businesses in the street, have reportedly been subjected to foul play by residents of Alberton North informal settlement near the train station behind Union Street.
The business stated that it has been complaining for the last 20 years to the council about the problem of the Alberton North squatters. However, their grievances fall on deaf ears.
Grievances arising
Darren Wade, co-owner of General Hinges and Aluminium Frames, which started operations in 1974, called for the City of Ekurhuleni’s intervention in moving the dwellers to a proper area.
In a letter to the council, the business stated that the illegal squatters are blocking stormwater drains, filling them with refuse and concrete mixes.
“Water is not readily available and often unsafe for consumption – so businesses are forced to erect water tanks and filter their own water. Promises were made as far back as June 2000 that the squatters would be removed. With rates and taxes, you have a duty to ensure that the property that you keep is maintained and that is not being done,” explained Wade.
‘Criminal element’
He told the Alberton Record they had several burglaries, evident to the ever-growing crime rate.
“We had a client robbed at knifepoint in the parking lot. I’ve spoken to the police, on several occasions, about the fact that right at the corner we can see them dealing drugs. I approached SAPS when I was a member of the Community Policing Forum, and they said they would look into it. Clearly, nothing gets done,” he said.
Wade said this affects their manufacturing because they spend large amounts of capital on safety and security, which they should not have to.
According to Wade, due to the failing infrastructure and all the theft, they had to buy generators out of their own pockets.
“Every single business in the street has had its power stolen. They cut open the boxes and steal the electrical wiring and fuses. We have been hit at least 10 times. Two years ago, they stole all my solar panels off the roof,” he explained.
“There’s a lot of theft that goes on in the street. The informal settlement brings a criminal element into the street as several businesses on Union Street have experienced burglaries. This is also related to the Funny Farm,” explained Michael Wade, who is part of a business community group in the area.
Captain Manare Ramotshela of the Alberton SAPS said, “Alberton North has two informal settlements; one is at the train station while the other is at Funny Farm. “Most petty crimes are committed by residents from those informal settlements, as they can easily return to their homes. I don’t recall serious crimes being committed in the informal settlement itself.”
City’s response
According to Zweli Dlamini, the city’s spokesperson, Passenger Rail of South Africa (PRASA) owns the land in question.
He said the department is not able to commit to the relocation of the occupants because the matter is before the court for the finalization of a court or eviction order.
“The landowner, who is PRASA, must commit to safeguarding the land once the relocation has taken place and that no future or further illegal occupation will take place. This means a plan must be in place for the project to be implemented. Engagement sessions are taking place between PRASA, the city and the councillor to address the issues and concerns,” he said.
Dlamini said some families were relocated to Thinasonke in Tokoza as part of the plan to relocate all the occupants of these settlements.
However, he said some of those people who were relocated came back to the settlement.
“The settlement was further invaded because the PRASA left it without being safeguarded.
“It is important to note that qualifying beneficiaries from this area are targeted to benefit from the projects in the Alberton area. The actual relocation of the occupants will also take place once these issues are addressed,” Dlamini said.
