UPDATE: Relocation of Harry Gwala residents has begun

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) began with the relocation of 359 families from the Harry Gwala informal settlement to a piece of land approximately 400m away.

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The relocation to the piece of land nearby the bridge between Actonville and Wattville will spread over four days, ending on March 16.

The site where they are moving has been prepared through the following:

• Removal of rubble and other forms of dumping

• Compacting of the G7 (gravel) material to prevent mud and to control stormwater

• Water and sanitation will be provided as people are relocated.

“Five ablution facilities and one stand pipe have been provided for families that have already been relocated during the first phase of relocation last year,” said EMM spokesperson, Themba Gadebe.

“Since 2004 over 1 400 families have already been relocated from Harry Gwala and were provided with houses at Chief Albert Luthuli.”

The reason for the temporary move to the land on which Harry Gwala is situated (Wattville Erf 3130), is to be upgraded to a township.

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“An engineering and development contractor has been appointed to render professional services for infrastructure development to support the successful implementation of the project,” Gadebe said.

“The contractor has been instructed to proceed with the 264 high-density housing units on phase one and 700 units on phase two with a budget of about R300-million to benefit the residents.”

Gadebe said a court order has been secured by the EMM for families who resist the relocation.

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