He responded to questions about residents in an informal settlement in KwaNonqaba.
Approximately 160 families live in an informal settlement on Erf 1704 and partially on Erf 3304, where a new housing development is in construction in Asla Park.
Until fairly recently, they were of the impression that a piece of vacant land opposite Mzamomhle Road in KwaNonqaba would be made available for them to move onto properly surveyed plots with rudimentary services, such as gravel roads, communal taps, flood lights and flush toilets, that they would finally have a small Erf to call their own. From where they are now, this would have been a huge upgrade.
They now live in haphazard fashion, with only rudimentary services, such as a row of flush toilets to which each family has a key to prevent vandalism, and running water from communal taps, thanks to Cllr Du Plessis. Flood lights illuminate their area from a distance. They have to cart or carry their drinking water to their dwellings and heat water on fires or paraffin stoves.
However, about two weeks ago, the news came that the land intended for their resettlement is deemed by the developer to constitute a flood risk and would require an environmental impact study before it may be developed. They were also apparently told that they would have to make do with bucket system toilets should they move.
Cllr Du Plessis said he was not informed of any decisions as communicated to the residents. He, in turn, immediately took up the matter with Mossel Bay's Executive Mayor, Alderlady Marie Ferreira, who is said to support the decision not to resettle the community just yet.
On Sunday morning, 30 July, Cllr Du Plessis met with representatives of this tightly knit community.
"We are very upset", they told the Mossel Bay Advertiser, who attended their meeting with Cllr Du Plessis at their invitation. After listening intently to their concerns and disappointment, he reiterated that they would not move unless they can move en mass.
For the time being he is, however, negotiating with the municipality to improve their current living conditions. He requisitioned area lighting and a prepaid electricity meter in every dwelling to be installed, if they are to remain where they are.
Cllr Du Plessis also accompanied Mayor Ferreira and the municipal manager, respectively, on a brief visit to the proposed site, and implored them to expedite arrangements to accommodate the expectations and needs of the community.
In turn, the community, through their leaders, made it very clear that they are not happy with the news that they still have to wait on better living conditions. They referred to a recent fire that claimed the life of one person, as the fire brigade could not attend to the fire expeditiously. According to the Fire and Rescue representatives, there was no fire hydrant available and their team could not reach the burning house by road.
The residents referred to the social survey that was conducted among them some three years ago to ensure that they are placed on the housing waiting list. They mentioned the health hazards they suffer from living in their present conditions. They stressed the need for a time frame on the proposed relocation planning.
After the meeting, committee members escorted the Councillor to the land that was intended for their relocation. It is a slightly sloping, deforested area that now houses two small livestock farmers, who both have indicated a willingness to be relocated in turn. Three sewer line connections are within a short distance of the Erf. The area is covered in short grass with hardly any visible stones or rocks, completely in contrast with the land they now occupy.
Cllr Du Plessis assured the committee that he would continue to liaise with the executive management of the municipality on the matter and that he would keep them informed of any developments.
In response, the municipal spokesperson, Mr Harry Hill, said, "During discussions with the residents they were told that they would be moved, but because of the practical considerations, it will not be done as soon as they may want.
"There will be services, most likely in terms of the Western Cape Government's project for the provision of access to basic services (ABS Project) on Erf 1704 to be installed, should they move. The services would be similar to the services installed for other nearby informal settlements in the area.
"It is important to note that there are sufficient hydrants in nearby Dywili and Calitzdorp streets, but it should be noted that the residents occupy land where no services are installed. The municipality can obviously not give legitimacy to the occupation by providing services to illegally occupied land. The presence or lack of hydrants are irrelevant, because hydrants cannot be placed in such a manner that all homes can be covered by it. Fire trucks are filled with sufficient water to effectively deal with most house fire situations."
Although prepared to wait, the community leaders' disappointment on Sunday morning were tangible.
Themkelani Klaushe, Chairperson of the commitee representing a small informal settlement in Asla Park, translates Councillor Flip du Plessis' message that the group will not be relocated as yet. Photo: Nickey le Roux
ARTICLE: NICKEY LE ROUX, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER-JOERNALIS
'Ons bring jou die nuutste Mosselbaai | Tuinroete nuus'
