Tshwane warns Atteridgeville residents against land invasions amid water woes
The councillor responsible for human settlements in Tshwane warns that illegal land occupation places immense pressure on municipal resources, delays development and affects service delivery.
Unlawful land invasions on steep mountain slopes are hampering the delivery of basic municipal services in Atteridgeville, warns Human Settlements MMC Aaron Maluleka, reports Pretoria Rekord.
Maluleka said the metro is aware of water supply concerns at the Mshonguville informal settlement, also known as Jeffsville, and outlined the measures currently in place.
He said the vacated land was unlawfully re-invaded after residents had previously been relocated.
“The recently occupied section of Mshonguville, situated on the steep mountain slopes, falls outside the recognised areas identified by the city for the provision of basic municipal services,” he explained.
Water supply measures across wards
He added that despite these challenges, the metro continued to provide basic water services to recognised informal settlements in the area.
Maluleka noted that residents of Jeffsville in Ward 71 are supplied through three mobile water tankers. In neighbouring informal settlements in Ward 72, AD Section, Matlejwane and Concern, the metro provides nine stationary water tanks supported by three additional mobile water tankers.
Mshonguville’s ongoing water supply challenges have been linked to illegal land occupations and difficult terrain.
Terrain blocks water tanker access
He said the city continues to face significant challenges in extending water services to Mshonguville because the steep and inaccessible terrain prevents fully loaded water tankers from reaching households on top of the mountain.
“To ensure that residents still have access to water, the city has implemented designated stops at the foot of the mountain, where residents can collect water using buckets and other portable storage containers,” he added.
He warned that illegal occupation of land placed immense pressure on municipal resources, delayed planned development and compromised the delivery of essential services.
“Residents are urged to refrain from invading land and to utilise lawful housing allocation processes administered by the city,” Maluleka stated.
He added that the city remained committed to providing basic services within available resources while pursuing sustainable human settlements through lawful planning and development.
The MMC also encouraged residents to work with the city to protect public land, support orderly human settlement development and report illegal land invasions to relevant municipal authorities.
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