Macassar resident livid over possible relocation of Central Line occupiers to the area

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