Boksburg homeless people finally taken to Benoni shelter
The homeless people from Boksburg were taken to the Benoni Town Hall on April 2, as part of the government's initiative to curb the spread of the coronavirius.
For the next few weeks, hundreds of destitute people from Boksburg will be accommodated at the town hall along with many other homeless people from Benoni and Germiston.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted that temporary shelters that meet the necessary hygiene standards will be identified for homeless people during the 21 days.
From as early as 6.30am, homeless people across Boksburg were already up at their various spots, waiting for the Ekurhuleni metro busses to pick them up. They had already packed their clothes and blankets inside their bags.
Around 7.30am, the busses started collecting the homeless people at various pick-up points, including Leeuwpoort Street, the corner of Market and Burg streets, Loop and Commissioner streets, and Railway Street and Hospital Road.
Some of the homeless people opposite New Beginnings Care Centre refused to go, while others had concerns that they’ll be appearing in court soon so they’ll rather go to the shelter after their court dates.
The Advertiser spoke to several homeless people at the Boksburg Post Office who were eager to be taken to the place of safety.
According to Aubrey Booysen, who had been living at the post office for over a year, this process was a stepping stone for a new beginning in his life. “I believe that by going to the shelter, I am going to get helped with my addictions so I can go back home and start afresh,” Booysen said.
Nineteen-year-old Ronaldo van Rensburg said it came as a surprise to them when Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos told them they’ll be moved to a shelter.
Upon registration at the Benoni Town Hall, health screenings were conducted to identify individuals who needed necessary assistance.
EMPD officials and wardens helped to ensure the smooth running of the queue as well as ensuring that the homeless maintained the required social distancing.
Toiletry bags were handed over to the homeless people after screening.
Ward 22 Clr Ruhan Robinson also arrived at the Benoni Town Hall to raise grievances about other homeless people who were left behind in his ward.
According to Motsamai Motlhaolwa from Department of Social Development , there are four temporary sites that have been identified in Benoni, Olisfontein, Bakerton, and Kempton Park for the lockdown period. So far, the sites have temporarily housed just under 600 homeless people. They will be provided with food, soap, mattresses and blankets,” Motlhaolwa said.
Motlhaolwa said homeless people who are on drugs will be assessed with the help of the Department of Health and will be assisted with withdrawal symptoms.
The Department of Social Department urges the public to call the Gauteng hotline on 0800 428 8364 when they come across any homeless people in their area.
Those who wish to make donations are kindly asked to drop them at the central warehouse at 30 Mandy Street, Booysens, Johannesburg.
Nhlanhla Cebekhulu, metro divisional head of communications and relations, said the metro has provided the facility with running water as well as electricity.
The centre will be closely monitored during the lockdown.
Also Read: Homeless gravely affected by Covid-19 lockdown
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