Land invasions could delay housing

Portions of land in the Kapteinsklip and Swartklip areas which were invaded over the weekend are earmarked for formal housing. Land invasion and illegal structures could therefore delay formal housing in the area (see Cape Times report).

The City of Cape Town recognises that there is a need for housing right across Cape Town and is sympathetic to the fact that that some people have been waiting for a long time and are impatient. The City cannot, however, allow people to illegally occupy vacant land or build structures. 

The City has plans for formal houses in the Kapteinsklip area. Unfortunately this will take time as roads, water, electricity and sanitation have to be put in first. People will be allocated housing according to the official housing waiting list. This will ensure that people cannot jump the queue. Invading land will not result in being given preference over someone else on the waiting list.

It is also illegal to hand out plots or promise people land that is not theirs. People who do this face prosecution. The South African Police Services (SAPS) is in command of public order and safety. They will ensure law and order. The City's law enforcement staff will support the SAPS.

If people continue to attempt to occupy the land and erect illegal structures, the City will consider approaching the High Court for an eviction order to evict them and to break the structures down. It will also ask the Court to grant an interdict to stop any further structures and unlawful occupation. This is being done to safeguard land, ensure proper planning and provision of services as well as to ensure fairness to all who have waited for houses for a long time.

The SAPS and the City of Cape Town's law enforcement agencies are monitoring and assessing the situation today after clashes between law enforcement and occupiers resulted in 18 injuries. The SAPS is in command, with City staff playing a supporting role.

Yesterday some of the occupants on the land were using women and children as human shields when confronting the police. Law enforcement staff were also attacked with bricks and stones necessitating the use of a water cannon and rubber bullets.

Statement issued by Communication Department, City of Cape Town, May 16 2011

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