Bluff Ratepayers Association responds to councillor Prinsloo
The issue of the development of informal settlements in close proximity to established residential areas is indeed a very sensitive one and must be treated as such
EDITOR – The issue of the development of informal settlements in close proximity to established residential areas is indeed a very sensitive one and must be treated as such.
Unfortunately in his social media reaction to the report by the Bluff Ratepayers Association in the SUN of 26 July, concerning an informal settlement below Garcin Place, Cllr JP Prinsloo has been economical with the facts.
First, he claims he received ‘frantic calls’ from Garcin Place residents at the existence of this settlement. Yet, as stated in the SUN of 26 July, according to a resident of Garcin Place, knowledge of the existence of the settlement was not new and had been reported to Prinsloo some while back.
Second, it was clear when the ratepayers visited the settlement on Thursday, 18 July, that it was well established. This was further underlined by the well-worn path to the settlement and by one of the informal settlers who said he had been living there for a long period. Despite that reality, Prinsloo refers to the settlement as a ‘supposed settlement’ and ‘an attempted illegal occupation,’ and accuses the ratepayers of relaying ‘inaccurate information’.
Third, Prinsloo praises the land invasion unit, Metro Police and SAPS for dealing ‘swiftly with the attempted illegal occupation’ that resulted in the demolition of the settlement. For the record, SAPS has denied any involvement. Nonetheless, in the same breath, Prinsloo expresses concern for the constitutional rights of ‘indigent persons’ and that their rights should not be ‘infringed upon.’ This is nothing but doublespeak and contradiction. By failing to obtain a court order for the demolition of that settlement, as is required for any structures of that vintage and which would have involved relocation to an alternative dwelling place, the rights of those informal settlers have been flagrantly violated. The spirit of the law concerning informal settlers (Act 19 of 1998 as amended in 2008) was disregarded. That is why the Ratepayers’ Association has lodged a case with the Human Rights Commission.
From the factual inaccuracies within Cllr Prinsloo’s statement it is clear that he seeks to divert attention away from the impulsive way in which the matter has been handled. In that respect the Bluff Ratepayers’ Association rejects with contempt his attempt to accuse it of ‘potentially causing unrest’ in the Bluff community. As stated in the SUN, what is particularly unfortunate is that the existence of this settlement was not logged and monitored as has been the case with Phola Park. Transparency and accountability has been lacking which is what the association seeks to uphold and defend.
The Bluff Ratepayers’ Association is indisputably opposed to the erection of informal settlements. Nonetheless, it believes that where they exist, they have to be dealt with in an orderly, lawful fashion rather than the arbitrary way as occurred now in Garcin Place and the one adjacent to Phola Park last year. We are not given to prioritising populism ahead of due process.
DR DUNCAN DU BOIS FOR BRA
Councillor Prinsloo responds
EDITOR – I note the concerns and issues raised by Mr Du Bois.
I remain committed to ensuring that the Bluff does not fall victim to land grabs and the mushrooming of informal settlements. I will not flip flop on my approach to this as it seems Mr Du Bois would not like settlements, but also try to make it very difficult keep the Bluff clear by constantly interfering with law enforcement efforts. eThekwini Municipality must work to provide better solutions to the housing shortage. Solutions include mixed typology units, subsidised units, serviced stands, conversion of derelict building in the CBD. Rate paying residents should not have to suffer the consequences of mushrooming informal settlements.
COUNCILLOR PRINSLOO
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
