Residents in Die Hoewes breathed a sigh of relief as a squatter camp on the corner of Von Willich Avenue and Hall Street was demolished last Friday.
The settlement has been a thorn in the side of residents for years as its location made it a perfect hideaway for criminals.
Lyttelton police spokesperson Hero Gumbu often urged residents walking in Von Willich Avenue to be on the alert as many people had been attacked and mugged in the area.
Democratic Alliance (DA) ward councillor Clive Napier has been fighting for the removal of the camp for nearly ten years.
“It is now almost ten years since initiatives began to have the Von Willigh Street land invaders moved to more suitable accommodation,” said Napier.
“I and various other involved parties have sent letters, drafted petitions and had meetings with the council. The residents of the area will indeed be gratified to note that the squatters are moving.”
He said both the neighbouring residents and the land invaders could now look forward to a better living environment.
Jaun Knoesen, project manager at Abland which is developing the new West End office park right next to where the squatters used to live, said the property vacated was not owned by Abland.
“The aim of the relocation is not so that we could build on the property. This was an initiative by Abland to help people that were living in completely unsuitable conditions.”
He said Abland had been in negotiations with the squatters for some time.
“During the time that we have been dealing with the squatters, we have also provided some temporary water infrastructure. We have also brought in Future Families, an NGO, to help facilitate the squatters’ relocation.”
Knoesen said that the project was simply aimed at providing better living conditions for the people in the squatter camp.
In the first stage of the removal on Friday, residents were each paid R10 000 as part of their relocation.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) was on hand during the relocation. “We are not happy,” said EFF Tshwane chairperson Benjamin Disoloane.
“We are here to show solidarity with our people. We find it unacceptable that these people can be bought for such a small amount. Where are they supposed to go when their homes are torn down?” added Disoloane.
Some of the residents were unhappy about the relocation, and were reluctant to leave.
Johannes Datadla said he had been living on the property for 26 years.
“They offered me R10 000, but I refused to take it. If I take it, where am I supposed to go?”
The outside of the camp was littered with old furniture, beds, and pots, as residents stood by, watching their small homes being torn down.
Some said they worked in Centurion, and relocation would mean they had to spend more money on transport.
Others threatened to merely shift to an adjacent empty field.
Knoesen said that the relocation should be finalised by the end of Monday.
Some of the residents of the former squatter camp would be assisted by Future Families in moving to new homes in places like Mamelodi, he said.
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