Residents in Macassar are seemingly outraged over plans from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) to relocate illegal occupants currently residing along the PRASA's central railway line.
Approximately 5 195 households have established informal
settlements along the PRASA central railway line, comprising unauthorised
structures erected at Langa Station, Philippi Station, and Khayelitsha Station.
Ward councilor, Peter Helfrich, says residents of Ward 109 in
2022, were informed of the PRASA's plan to acquire land in Macassar and requested
an urgent meeting with PRASA on August 2, 2022, to address the issue. The
PRASA's implementing agent, the Housing Development Agency (HDA), attended the
meeting and represented the PRASA.
‘’During the public meeting with residents, the HDA
provided assurance that premature assumptions were being made. They emphasised
that neither the PRASA nor the HDA had definitively decided on the purchase of
the land in question, as other potential sites within Cape Town were deemed
more plausible. The HDA reiterated their commitment to transparency by stating
that if negotiations were to resume regarding any parcels of land within
Macassar for the relocation of illegal occupants along their central railway
line, residents would be promptly informed through another public meeting,’’
said Helfrich.
‘’On Sunday, March 24, 2024, the PRASA featured prominently
on national television news, where it was reported that the PRASA intends to
relocate 2000 households from the central railway line to previously identified
sites in Macassar. This announcement signifies a notable departure from the
purported commitments previously articulated by the PRASA, acting in
conjunction with its implementing agent the HDA. Residents have voiced
sentiments of betrayal, alleging that they were deceived by the PRASA and the
HDA, as they were not apprised of these developments in accordance with the
promised transparency. Residents says no further public meetings were convened
to disclose the reconsideration of land parcels within Macassar’’ he added.
Residents submitted a petition to the PRASA, following the
public meeting, signed by no fewer than 2 600 individuals.
‘’This petition vehemently opposes the PRASA’s plans to
relocate the illegal occupants from the PRASA’s central railway line to Macassar.
Since the submission of the petition and the public meeting, residents have not
received any further communication from the PRASA or the HAD’’ said Peter
Helfrich, ward 109 councillor.
According to Helfrich, residents have commenced
mobilisation efforts and a new petition have been launched
‘’Which has garnered signatures from no fewer than 4000
residents. Plans are also underway for a lawful protest to express residents'
discontent and vehement opposition to the PRASA's proposed action. Let there be
no misunderstanding: residents are eager for the central railway line operated by
the PRASA to resume service, as this would greatly enhance the lives of our
community members. What residents do not support is the relocation of the
illegal occupants to Macassar.’’
Residents in Macassar says that should the occupiers relocate
it would have a severe impact to those already residing in Ward 109. They have
noted existing challenges, such as inadequate services from the South African
Police Services (SAPS) due to resource shortages, as well as frequent power supply
disruptions.
‘’Additionally, services from the South African Social
Security Agency (SASSA) have been withdrawn due to capacity issues, despite
residents' efforts over the past two years to reinstate them. The influx of
another 2000 households would exacerbate these challenges, rendering life in
the ward untenable. Furthermore, it will also have a dire impact on many other
services. Residents have voiced significant concerns regarding what they
perceive as a pattern of disregard for legal procedures by the PRASA,’’ added
Peter Helfrich, ward 109 councillor.
Community Leader, Waseemah Flaendorp, shared her
disapproval of PRASA’s intentions.
"I am absolutely
infuriated by PRASA's blatant disregard for their promises. Back in 2022, they
assured us that they would prioritise engaging with our community before moving
forward with this land acquisition. Yet, here we are, witnessing their
unilateral actions without as much as a courtesy consultation. The people of
Ward 109 are seething with a sense of disrespect and neglect. We refuse to
tolerate this flagrant betrayal. PRASA is about to face the fiercest opposition
they have ever encountered. We are prepared to stand our ground and fight tooth
and nail against this.’’
Responding to queries about the Macassar plan, Prasa spokesperson
Andiswa Makanda say an announcement regarding this will be made soon.
‘’The central line relocation project steering committee
leading the relocation will make an official comment on the matter in due
course. Prasa is making steady progress in recovering the rest of the central
line from Philippi to Chris Hani. Contractors are on site rehabilitating the
rail infrastructure.”
Done By: Mitchum George
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