The informal settlement near Cradlestone Mall called Taxi-house or Riverside has grown extensively since January in what has become a slow and under-the-radar land grab that no one, not even the local authorities, has tried to stop.
The land has not been developed or fenced and since late last year, people have been building shacks on it.
Photo: Bianca Pindral.
Because it is provincially owned land, Mogale City Local Municipality cannot do anything to move the informal settlers from the area. However, orders have been put in place to relocate them, but efforts to move them to Plot 11 in Muldersdrift have also failed, because the people living in the ward in which the plot is located protested, saying the municipality had promised them the land.
The mall, located next to the informal settlement, would be affected by the population increase, especially by those living under the bread-line. They declined to comment on the matter.
“Kindly note that we cannot predict or preempt scenarios in these instances, so we decline to comment,” said Najla Richardson, spokesperson for Cradlestone Mall.
“The informal settlement does not affect the mall.”
Photo: Bianca Pindral.
Here are some of the points of concern:
• Sanral’s plans to build Ruimsig Boulevard on the stretch of land have finally been approved and construction should start at the end of 2018. However, the occupants of the land will have to be moved to another place before they can start construction on the long-debated road. As the informal settlement keeps on growing, it becomes ever more difficult to relocate so many people.
• The stream next to the informal settlement is being used for washing clothes, bathing and sewage purposes. Concerns about pollution feeding into the Cradle of Humankind have been raised.
• Illegal power connections have been reported in the area. These pose a threat to the safety of the community and those living in the area.
• The infrastructure of the area is not equipped to deal with the sudden increase in population.
• More than 90 per cent of the settlers are illegal immigrants. Since they cannot obtain employment without proper documentation, the unemployment rate within the camp is high, and the residents are forced to seek other alternatives to pay for basic necessities. This raises the question: Will criminal activity increase?
• Gauteng authorities announced that road fatalities involving pedestrians have increased since the start of April. With the informal settlement being so close to Hendrik Potgieter Road and the increased population comes an increase in the number of people crossing the road on a daily basis. Will authorities be able to regulate the number of pedestrians crossing the road and ensure their safety?
• There are also concerns that the informal settlement would grow to be the size of the Princess informal settlement in Roodepoort. This informal settlement causes a lot of chaos as regular riots and protests are reported. Criminal activity is high and the settlement poses a threat to the nearby shopping mall. Because of the similar demographics, like proximity to a shopping mall, main roads and other facilities, it would be foolish not to address the issue of it becoming unmanageable.
The News is awaiting comment from the Mogale City Local Municipality, as well as other stakeholders.
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