First phase of west project kicks off

This project involves moving residents of the Gomorrah informal settlement to plots where they will have access to water and electricity.

July 26, 2019

Kayla van Petegem 1 minute read

Building rubble is used for filling the site due to its inequality. Photo: Kayla van Petegem

The first phase of a housing project on a west of Pretoria wetland has started.

This project involves moving residents of the Gomorrah informal settlement to plots where they will have access to water and electricity.

Local ward councillor, Frik van Wyk said the project was launched about two weeks ago.

“Plots will be set up for the informal settlers, where basic needs will be provided,” he says.

He says the project was a delayed due to unrest in the informal settlement about job opportunities at the project.

Van Wyk said the first phase involves levelling the area using “building rubble”.

“That is why there are so many trucks dumping building rubble on the site. Residents were worried about it.”

Van Wyk said he also asked for roads to be sprayed wet because residents are complaining about the dust.

He said he hoped the project will be completed speedily.

“This project has been in discussion for a long time and I hope everything will be done soon so that the informal settlers can move to where they need to be,” he said.

He said he understood the residents’ frustration over the informal settlements but added that the decision was made by the previous metro administration.