Illegal occupants at former army base face eviction
DUNNOTTAR - Scores of people gathered in protest at the former Marievale Engineer Regiment, where operation lock-down was initiated by the army on November 25.
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With a strong police visibility, military excavators were closing off non-secure entrances to the residential area, but the protest soon turned violent when some people started stoning an excavator. The situation was however, brought to calm again, but hundreds of illegal occupants, both civilians and military staff, are now facing eviction from the former unit, following Government intervention.
There are two types of residents, those that are staying there illegally and those that are staying there legally or officially as South African National Defense Force (SANDF) personnel. Illegal residents are to vacate the houses, in order for renovations to take effect at the unit.
It is however, not clear when the eviction process will take effect.
The military unit is in desperate need of renovation as it has fallen into a complete dilapidated state, as can be seen in this photo of the former swimming pool. In the background is the pump room, which is currently occupied by an illegal occupant and his family.
In the residential area, goats are roaming freely in the gardens.
The buildings’ severe state of neglect, inaccessible roads, shortage of accommodation and the delay in the demolition of derelict and illegal structures impact negatively on the image of the army base. Several buildings such as the former recreational hall, are occupied by illegal immigrants and their families.
