City takes action to prevent illegal land invasions in Parkwood
24 February 2016
The City of Cape Town’s Anti-Land Invasion Unit (ALIU) acted to protect land that was illegally invaded in Parkwood Estate.
The invasion started on Sunday evening, 21 February 2016, when a group of backyard dwellers erected illegal structures in Acacia Road. When ALIU staff arrived at the scene at about 22:30 that night, they found 50 residents in the process of erecting small structures. They warned the group that they were acting unlawfully and that they should take down the structures.
Staff engaged with the group again at about 09:00 on Monday morning, 22 February 2016, warning that they should refrain from erecting illegal structures.
A City facilitator then met with all role players, including the local ward councillor and representatives of the backyarders, to try and resolve the situation. At this meeting it was agreed that the backyarder representatives would return to the group and explain to them that they had to take down their illegal structures.
However, the group refused and the illegal structures were still in place this morning, despite multiple warnings and engagement.
The City and the South African Police Service (SAPS) removed 63 unoccupied illegally erected structures. Unfortunately, the community reacted with violence and aggression, despite all of the attempts at engagement and prior warning. A group of about 200 residents threw stones at City and SAPS staff and burnt tyres.
The City will continue to monitor the area and take all necessary precautions to prevent further illegal land invasions. Not only is this a constitutional responsibility, but it is borne from practical considerations.
The housing need in the city is acute, and the City of Cape Town must therefore ensure a fair and systematic housing delivery process, to the benefit of all residents. This includes preventing illegal land invasions which result in poor access to City services, continual flooding, high crime rates, and poor connections with economic opportunities.
The City will continue to engage with residents in the area.
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