In February, Ward 92 councillor Leepile Motsumi said the squatters would be temporarily moved to a piece of land next to a cemetery on Dale Road in Midrand, but that has not happened. When Midrand Reporter called Motsumi for comment, he was unavailable as he is on short leave.
A resident, Hester Stevenson, who wrote to Midrand Reporter said the council had failed the people. “It does not matter where the squatters come from, they are people and deserve a place to live, not next to a restaurant in unlivable conditions.”
City of Johannesburg sub-unit head for Displaced Persons Unit, Alan Grobbler gave insight into the city’s future plans for displaced persons in Midrand. He said, “Currently the city does not have capital to build shelters, but in the near future we hope to get that funding and build a place in Midrand.”
He said the Social Development Department in the City of Johannesburg responsible for displaced persons in all regions, aims to establish shelters in all areas.
“We have identified Stand 1074 in Rabie Ridge, vacant land, to build a homeless shelter in the near future. Many of the City’s shelters are in the inner city, squatters are not keen to relocate.”
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