City needs plan to remove N1 squatters

By Odette Ismail

A group of squatters have taken their own initiative to live on a narrow piece of road reserve along the N1 near the Woodstock turnoff.

The squatters who apparently are from Congo, Malawi and Nigeria have been living probably there for 18 months according to Independent Online.

Woodstock residents and motorists passing along have complained about the increase of smash and grab incidents, cars being broken into and squatters crossing the road in heavy traffic.

Angelique Van Niekerk, a Woodstock resident says the area simply is not safe.

JP Smith, Democratic Alliance city councillor and chairman of the safety and security portfolio committee said he was not sure whether it was the city’s responsibility to provide houses for them, but concedes that it was a problem and that something needs to be done