Relocation gets mixed reactions
Residents of the Phomolong informal settlement have been moved to a new area that is safer and more permanent, and while some are happy about the move, others are sceptical.
The residents of the Phomolong informal settlement in Mamelodi East who used to live near a train station under construction were moved to a more suitable area by the Tshwane metro on Tuesday.
The residents were moved to Nellmapius where the Tshwane metro last year housed the families that had been affected by a burst water pipe in Phomolong.
The residents were living extremely close to the railway line, which posed a danger to their lives and, therefore, the Tshwane metro decided to move them to a safer location.
Most of the residents were happy about being moved, as it was safer than staying next to the railway line. However, one resident, Sello Pole, said he had suspicions as to why the metro had moved them and said he did not trust Tshwane to keep its promises.
Pelo said the Tshwane metro was in the process of installing water and electricity for them in Phomolong, and that this ‘better place’ they had been moved to had no services. A resident, Cynthia Matlou, told Record she was very happy that the Tshwane metro had kept its promise to move them to a safer, permanent and more suitable area.
Other residents said they were pleased about the relocation, but complained that the Tshwane metro should have them more time to prepare for the relocation. Many had no choice but stay away from work to move their belongings.
Acting Ward 40 councillor, Dikeledi Mosime, said she was happy that people were being moved to a safer place.
“We have to act when people are in danger. The relocation is an ongoing process and is happening around Mamelodi as a whole.
“Residents are being moved to better and safer locations and new, developing areas. They will get the services that they need like running water and electricity, among others.”
The relocation also allowed the metro to erect a fence around the new train station.
