Austin View residents to boycott rates if land invaders not removed
Thousands of illegal shacks have been erected between Dane and Republic roads in Austin View.
Austin View Ext 1 residents are contemplating a bold move – not paying their municipal rates.
This comes after residents accused authorities and the ward councillor of ignoring their plight following illegal land grabs. In a letter by the house task team, representing the community, they accused authorities and the Ward 110 councillor Angie Mphaho of failing to take corrective action against the invaders.
The invaded land is between Dane and Republic roads in Austin View and encompasses a 1.2km stretch of road.
The team say that the police’s failure to prevent the invasion and take stringent preventative and crime enforcement measures has resulted in an alleged increase in crime.
They believe the problem started around August or September last year and has grown drastically. They demand the removal of the illegal structures and the invaders and want a fence installed around the property. They also want assurances that there is security 24/7.
“Ensure that the illegal invaders and their leaders are arrested. Failure to proceed as requested will leave the residents with no option but to stop paying their municipal rate and taxes. We, the residents of Austin View, feel completely abandoned and unsupported in the face of these challenges. The municipality must take immediate action,” read the letter.
They said their properties’ values were depreciating as a result of the presence of illegal structures, and their insurance premiums were increasing due to the area being categorised as high risk.
“We are losing business and income. Clients, tenants and suppliers are unwilling to come to our business premises because of the invaders. There is and increased health risk to all residents due to uncontrolled fires, and usage of open land as toilets which will lead to contamination of groundwater including uncollected waste and noise pollution.”
Mphaho was contacted for comment on February 6, regarding plans to have the invaders removed. She was reminded on February 7 and 12. The only response received was, “I am still in a committee meeting, I will respond later.” Her full response will be published once it’s received.
JMPD Superintendent Xolani Fihla was on February 6 asked if the invaders were not infringing on the city’s by-laws and what plans are in place to remove them as it’s believed that the open land belongs to the city. Fihla responded on February 7, saying, “Please note that I’m currently on leave, but I’ll check with units working in the area.” Fihla was reminded on February 12 and 13 but had not responded at the time of going to print. His response will be made available as soon as it’s received.
Gauteng Department Infrastructure Development and Human Settlement spokesperson Tahir Seema had also not responded to the publication’s query at the time of going to print.
Related articles:
Rabie Ridge and Austin View land grabbers removed by JMPD officials, return a week later
Rabie Ridge shutdown, protesters battling with land grabbers in the area
Illegal land grabbers in Midrand rebuild days after JMPD’s operation to remove them
