A FAR larger Tills Crescent Sports Ground has been “identified and approved as an operational venue for the implementation of the Deportation Project” in eThekwini as numbers continue to rise at Sherwood Hall which is housing documented and undocumented Malawi nationals awaiting repatriation.

With an estimated 8000 people from across KZN now living at the migrant camp, the eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) on Monday appealed to eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba and Ward 30 councillor Warren Burne “to act immediately and decisively to resolve the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and public order crisis unfolding at Sherwood Hall”.

In their request for the relocation ERPM’s chairperson Asad Gaffar had asked for the people awaiting deportation to be moved to a bigger venue, like Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Also Read: Video: Repatriation to Malawi commences from Sherwood camp

“The encampment, which has swelled from fewer than 100 displaced foreign nationals last week to a confirmed figure exceeding 5000 persons today, with credible reports projecting numbers above 7000, has long surpassed the capacity of the Sherwood Hall grounds.

“The site is not fit for purpose. Residents and ratepayers in the surrounding area are being placed under severe and escalating inconvenience, and the health and safety risks to all persons on and adjacent to the site are mounting by the hour,” said Gaffar.

He aded, “The Sherwood community and its ratepayers should not be bearing the cost of that failure.”

Also Read: Mayor to open repatriation centre in Durban

In response, according to a letter circulating on social media, Tills Crescent was identified by eThekwini to house the overflow of migrants streaming into Sherwood Hall.

“Following an assessment of the operational requirements and suitability of available facilities, Tills Crescent was selected as an appropriate venue to support the activities associated with the project. The venue will be made available subject to compliance with all applicable municipal policies, operational protocols, safety requirements, and any conditions imposed by the relevant municipal departments and authorities.

“The Recreation and Parks Directorate will provide the necessary support within its mandate to facilitate the use of the venue and will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the project,” reads the letter.

There were reports of structures already going up from last night.

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