VF Provincial Deputy Chair Grant Marais reminded the City of its years of neglect after squatters were finally removed from vital infrastructure
The City of Cape Town is steadfast in its commitment to evict squatters from crucial service areas, despite facing sharp criticism from the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus).
The FF Plus has accused the City of delaying the relocation of illegal occupants from drainage systems, which has worsened flood damage. Last week’s heavy rains and strong winds in the Western Cape left thousands displaced and critical infrastructure damaged.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis defended the City's stance, stating that where essential services are hindered, evictions will proceed. This comes in response to a scathing attack from the FF Plus, which accused the municipality of ignoring warnings to relocate squatters who had set up structures on drainage systems.
Grant Marais of the FF Plus stated, "These illegal structures exacerbated the damage caused by the recent floods in certain communities and informal settlements, making it much worse than it would have been had action been taken. The City of Cape Town should shoulder all the blame for its failure to act in time."
The party's comments followed the City's announcement last week of its intention to initiate legal action against occupants obstructing municipal infrastructure. The severe weather in the Western Cape last week, which displaced thousands, has highlighted these issues.
In Dunoon, obstructed drainage systems have worsened the impact of the heavy rains, as makeshift structures and informal settlements disrupt essential maintenance.
Mayor Hill-Lewis emphasized the importance of addressing illegal occupations over city infrastructure. "Our city stormwater and roads teams are standing by, but they cannot access the drains and pipes they need to clean out because of the informal, illegal structures built on our city infrastructure, causing this flooding. We will have to go through a lengthy court process to remove those structures."
In response to the FF Plus’s criticism, the City told News24, "Where critical infrastructure is impacted, the City is systematically pursuing evictions, and these court processes do take time."
