Clarification on Sanral evictions in Lwandle, Strand
Today's operation in Lwandle, Strand was the enforcement of a court interdict granted to Sanral earlier this year by the Western Cape High Court. The interdict authorised the Sheriff and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to give effect to the provisions of this order against any person in breach of this order or structure erected after the service of this order. Further enquires in this regard should be directed to SANRAL.
The Sheriff of the Court has been assisted by its contractors to remove the structures following an illegal land invasion on this Sanral-owned land.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) supported the Sheriff of the Court in its actions. City law enforcement agencies were present, on the specific request from the Sheriff of the Court and the SAPS. City law enforcement has no role in the removal of structures.
The City has repeatedly urged Sanral to protect their land against the continual and new land invasions.
As the land in question is owned by Sanral, the City has not been responsible for policing these informal settlements. Sanral appointed a private company to ensure that no further growth of the settlements takes place, but new structures have continued to be built on the Sanral land.
As the settlements are on Sanral land, the City may not provide services without the consent of the land owner, which in this case is Sanral. Previously, as part of our commitment to building a caring city, the City offered to provide a certain number of container toilets in the settlements, which Sanral allowed. These toilets have unfortunately been vandalised and damaged beyond repair. The Ward Councillors requested that the City provide additional services. The City has, in an effort to provide services and interim relief to these residents, provided services on the periphery of City-owned land, adjacent to Sanral's property.
Statement issued by Councillor Siyabulela Mamkeli, Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, City of Cape Town, June 2 2014
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