http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5195070

‘We won’t go to Blikkiesdorp’

Symphony Way safer, say residents

FATIMA SCHROEDER and KOWTHAR SOLOMONS Staff Reporters

THE CONTROVERSIAL pavement-dwellers in Symphony Way in Delft got their marching orders from the Cape High Court, which ordered them to relocate to temporary accommodation in Blikkiesdorp.

However, the residents say that while they are willing to move, they will not move to “that dump”.The order, which affects more than 100 families, gives them until next Thursday to “engage meaningfully” with the City of Cape Town on the dates of the relocation, and to set up a timetable for the relocation process.

Should they reach an agreement, the parties were also ordered to return to court on October 19 to have it made an order of court.

However, if they do not reach an agreement the court will order that the families vacate he area in four groups, starting on October 19 and ending on November 6.

Acting Judge Jake Moloi ordered that their temporary accommodation at Blikkiesdorp should be at least 18m178, individually numbered, have walls and a roof constructed of galvanised iron sheeting, have prepaid electricity meters, be close to ablution facilities and toilets, and have taps with fresh water.

The City also had to engage the affected residents one week before each relocation, and assist with the move.

The court also interdicted the residents from returning to the property once they had been relocated.

Last night however, the residents of Section B, as the Symphony Way area is commonly known, said they would use the relocation negotiations to try and move somewhere other than to Blikkiesdorp.

Ashraf Cassiem, chairman of the Anti-Eviction Campaign, confirmed that the residents were willing to move, but wanted their own space, instead of being forced into what he called “that dump”.

“We understand that they want us to move, but we refuse to go to Blikkiesdorp. It’s filled with crime and drugs. We don’t want our children to grow up in that environment. No matter what the court said, we know we are a lot better off here,” said Cassiem.

Another resident of the area, Theo Erasmus, said that while life was not easy in Section B, it was a lot better than the alternative.

“I’m an unemployed father of three and every morning before I go out looking for work, I have to collect firewood and water for my family.

“It’s very hard to survive but my three daughters will have a better future here than in Blikkiesdorp,” he said.

The Section B families were initially removed from N2 Gateway houses in Delft last year after they had invaded unfinished units there intended for project beneficiaries.

They were supposed to move temporarily to Blikkiesdorp at that time, but set up shacks on the pavement in Symphony Way, prompting city authorities to approach the High Court to have them removed.

The case came before Judge Moloi this week, and he went to Blikkiesdorp on Tuesday.

In court yesterday, he said the temporary accommodation in Blikkiesdorp was adequate.

Counsel for the City, Rob Stelzner, tendered a written order, which Judge Moloi granted. He did not make any costs order.