Bluff New Year starts with shack destruction
On Tuesday a fly-over was done to determine how many other shacks are still in the area
THE new year started with destruction on the Bluff last week, as the city’s land invasion unit tore down more than 30 shacks which were illegally constructed on the Bluff valley land opposite Oxford and the garden refuse site.
Following a rumour about available land, about 100 people flocked to the vacant valley land in Van Riebeeck Park and built more than 30 informal homes during the festive season.
Their efforts managed to go unnoticed into the new year, until a patrolling Bluff Community Policing Forum (CPF) member stumbled on the illegal informal settlement and notified Bluff ward 66 councillor, JP Prinsloo and the city’s relevant departments including the land invasion unit, Metro Police and SAPS.
Prinsloo requested the law enforcement departments to assist with the removal of the illegal structures. “On Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 and 10 January, the departments removed all the structures. About 30 shacks were destroyed in two days. On Tuesday a fly-over was done to determine how many other shacks are still in the area,” he said.
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The councillor spoke to the land occupiers to explain that what they did was illegal and to outline the correct process to follow to receive proper housing. “I was shocked to learn that somebody was spreading a rumour that I or the ‘DA councillor’ approved of shacks being built on this land. I did not approve anything and I don’t have the authority as councillor to tell them where they can live. After engaging with the people, it was clear that this invasion was politically motivated. We are assisting the displaced people by giving them forms addressed to the housing and human settlements department to provide them with shelter or permanent residence,” he said.
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A shack dweller known only as Mthembu told the Sun that although the councillor is doing his best to assist him and his fellow dwellers, the way the issue was dealt with by the law enforcement officials was heavy-handed. “They tore everything down and even shot rubber bullets at us. We also want the tools they took away from us, it’s all we have to rebuild our lives,” he said.
Due to the density of the flora in the Bluff valley, Cllr Prinsloo believes it makes it easier for the dwellers to set up home without anyone catching on. “They are invisible and hidden in the bushes unless a foot patrol is done, like it was this time. But the ward committee and I will not stand for any illegal activities and will do everything in our power to ensure our vulnerable D’MOSS areas and vacant land is protected.
