Karim’s Lane evictees still homeless
Ward 10 councillor Edwin Baptie commented on the peaceful manner in which the residents reacted on the day and how everything was carried out.
After a long legal process and an eviction order granted to a property owner, just over 20 families were evicted from their homes from a piece of privately owned land in Karim’s Lane in the Park Rynie industrial area last month.
The eviction order was granted in 2018, amended in 2020 and then delayed due to Covid-19 regulations.
A special executive committee (Exco) meeting was held by Umdoni at the time to find a temporary solution for the evicted families and it was decided that Malangeni and Umzinto community halls would be opened to these families as temporary shelters.
Last week, Umdoni stated that the evictees did not welcome the utilisation of these facilities, however some families are now using the Scottburgh town hall as a temporary residence while matters pertaining to their eviction and relocation are being addressed.
One of the evictees, a mother of six said that she had been living at Karim’s Lane for about 10 years, while others have for longer periods.
“After our homes were destroyed, we sat with our belongings in that area for about six days in the open before we decided to go to Scottburgh town hall,” she said.
“The other halls are too far from our jobs and schooling and I’m not looking for another place because we want the municipality to start building houses for us in Park Rynie like other areas have housing projects.”
Ward 10 councillor Edwin Baptie commented on the peaceful manner in which the residents reacted on the day and how everything was carried out.
“The Saps handled the situation with great care and the contractor acted with respect,” he said.
“It was ironic that such cooperation was evident in so depressing an event. It tells me we can all do better.”
“I have motivated for the inclusion of a low to medium income housing project in the area for the past two decades. There are many low income families and individuals in the area who find accommodation in backyards, rooms and in this case, illegal occupation.”
“It has been included in the IDP, but has yet to take form in the shape of official investigations, surveys and other preliminary processes.”
Mayor Sibongile Khathi sympathises with the affected people and on behalf of the municipality hopes there will be a positive outcome for all parties involved.
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