Squatter camp relocation: too close for comfort
Relocation of Tudor Shaft informal settlement will not happen overnight.
A notice placed in postboxes all over Krugersdorp implying that “squatters might be moving closer to Mindalore” has caused panic among residents.
“There are concerns about moving the squatters closer to Mindalore. As it is, they are too close for comfort,” the notice reads.
After some investigation the NEWS found that Tudor Shaft informal settlement just outside Chamdor is earmarked for relocation as allegedly environmentalists believe that the land on which it is situated is radioactive and overcrowded.
Alarmed by the alleged health risks Tudor shaft residents approached Federation for a Sustainable Environment CEO Mariette Liefferink to help them find an alternative place to settle.
Liefferink together with Digby Wells Environmental Consultants have identified and assessed three open spaces in the Krugersdorp area and will submit their findings to Mogale City Council for approval.
However, this does not imply that a quick go-ahead handshake will signal 5 000 informal residents from 1 700 accommodation units to start packing boxes.
According to De Waal Venter, DA Councillor for Ward 9 it is important to remember that the assessment of resettlement options has been done independently and not on request of Mogale City Council.
“Mogale City has given no indication that it wants the informal settlement to be relocated at this stage and the final ruling still rests with them,” he says.
Meanwhile Digby Wells continues to assess the following three areas before approaching council:
Area A: Approximately 10ha of land – twice the size of the current Tudor Shaft – west of Chamdor Road bordering the Mindalore residential area
Area B: 30ha of land extending from Chamdor Road toward the boundary of Soul City informal settlement
Area C: A piece of land east of Chamdor Road and South of Mindalore residential area
Various aspects such as resident protests, contamination of land surface, underground workings and the existence of old mine shafts play a role in the selection of the most suitable place for possible relocation.
