WATCH: More families illegally move into decanting units in Wentworth
The families at Alabama Road had the same plight as those who had moved into the decanting units at Percy Johnson Road regarding overcrowding and unhealthy living conditions, which led them to seek better living conditions at the decanting housing area.
WARD 68 councillor, Aubrey Snyman, has quelled the fears of destitute families who illegally occupied the decanting housing units in Wentworth, who anticipated being forcefully evicted.
Snyman said community leaders were waiting for a meeting with the Department of Human Settlements to try to resolve the illegal occupation in an amicable manner.
About 50 adults cleaned up the area, which had been a haven for drug addicts and other criminal elements, and moved into 11 of the 12 housing units on July 28, with their children, and have vowed to leave only when the rebuild project begins.
Since the illegal occupation of the 11 housing units in Percy Johnson Road, more families have illegally moved into the 18 decanting units at Alabama Road.
The invasion was brought to the attention of Snyman by members of Wentworth police station, who became aware of the illegal occupation.
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“A group of residents illegally occupied the 11 decanting units in Percy Johnson Road first. The units were used for the refurbishment of the flats by the Department of Human Settlements.
“I approached the families to find out what they were doing and they said they wanted permission to occupy the decanting units temporarily until the project to rebuild solid structures around the current foundation begins.
“I then contacted officials from the Department of Human Settlement to assist them to temporarily occupy the units, but they declined due to the project to rebuild commencing soon. They sited this as a reason that they cannot allow illegal occupation and land invasion on their property. I informed the families that permission was not granted.
“The families described their current situations to me and said they were living in overcrowded and unhealthy conditions. They said they will occupy the units temporarily until the rebuild project starts and only then, will they move out.
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“While engaging with the families, I was confronted by three women, who informed me that the people were also moving into the 18 decanting units in Alabama Road.
“I proceeded to Alabama Road and addressed the families, informing them that what they were doing was illegal. I also notified them that the Department of Human Settlement have been informed and will deploy land invasion officials to remove the illegal occupants.
“The families at Alabama Road had the same plight as those who had moved into the decanting units at Percy Johnson Road regarding overcrowding and unhealthy living conditions, which led them to seek better living conditions at the decanting housing area. We will continue to try to resolve the matter in a peaceful manner,” Snyman added.
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