Plaza ‘squatter camps’ reflect badly on the town
A notice has allegedly been given to those occupying the area to move
Residents have had endless questions regarding the ‘squatter camps’ at the plaza near Cecil Emmet Hall.
When the construction of the new plaza started, the majority of the informal traders who do business at the plaza were moved to temporary shelters, where they continued to trade. Now the traders have turned those trading shelters into their homes, and others are running unlawful businesses.
Municipal officials recently paid an unannounced visit to the plaza. The officials included Acting Mayor Mandla Mazibuko, Municipal Manager Zweli Dhlamini, Ward 8 Councillor Buthelezi and Councillor Shelembe from the DA. The aim of the visit was to try and find a better way of controlling the area until the informal traders are moved into their permanent stalls.
Illegal operations are said to be taking place at the shelters; they have allocated public toilets, but they do not use them; there is litter everywhere; and the area is said to be a health hazard and a crime hot-spot. Shelembe mentioned that, “By-laws must always be put in place. The traders must trade and go home; they cannot be trading after hours, as this reflects badly on the town.”
Municipal Manager Mr Dhlamini said, “We understand that people need to trade in order to make a living, but we still have by-laws we need to follow as the municipality.”
A notice has allegedly been given to those occupying the area to move. Those who have permits will continue to trade and will be moved to their permanent stalls when the construction is done. They are anticipating being moved back to the plaza before the end of the year.
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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
