UPDATE: Court postpones Centurion sorting station case again
The metro subsequently withdrew its offer to relocate the recyclers because the envisaged new location was under the flood line.
A group of people living at a so-called waste sorting station in Centurion will not be moved anytime soon.
This after the Pretoria high court last week again postponed a case for their settlement to 2 December.
The sorting station, located in West Avenue opposite Supersport Park stadium, has become home to some recyclers, while other people are reportedly just living there.
Lawyers for Human Rights and the group’s lawyer Thandeka Chauke said the postponement was to allow the court to rule on an application for 100 more occupiers to join the case.
READ MORE: UPDATE: Metro’s hands tied over Centurion informal recyclers
“The order was confirmed last week Monday with the effect that those additional occupiers must be afforded an opportunity to seek legal representation.”
Chauke said the metro had initially offered an alternative piece of land for the waste pickers to be relocated to.
“However, a few days before court they withdrew that offer on the grounds that [the spot] is allegedly under a flood line,” she said.
“A different area was offered and the occupiers need an opportunity to respond to the suitability of this offer.
“This piece of land will only be ready in November, according to the metro, and any eviction order granted before then would be premature.”
In July, more than 1 500 Doringkloof residents signed a petition to have the occupiers relocated.
Charles Pelser, manager of the Centurion rugby club, said the occupiers often stood as car guards at large events in the area.
“We had a situation the other day where a motorist was threatened by one of them wielding a brick,” Pelser said.
READ MORE: Residents petition to have Centurion recyclers removed
“They sometimes encourage motorists to park on our space.”
Pelser said crime in the area was also becoming a problem and described the sorting station as a “drug mecca”.
“We are really unhappy that nothing is being done about this and the metro is not providing us with proper feedback.”
Local ward councillor Gert Visser said most of the occupiers were undocumented foreign nationals.
“A location in a residential area as an alternative spot is not an option as it may also attract criminal elements and result in the contravention of municipal by-laws too,” said Visser.
Meanwhile, civil rights organisation AfriForum has written to Tshwane mayor Stevens Mokgalapa to demand action.
“It is the Metro’s duty to ensure that the rights of the community – including people living on the premises – are respected,” said Jaco Grobbelaar, AfriForum district coordinator for greater Pretoria.
“Everyone has a right to a healthy, safe environment.”
“What happens here is quite the contrary. It isn’t right to live under such desperate circumstances, and the metro will have to ensure that the people are moved to a more suitable area where they can continue their recycling.
“The metro must also ensure that recycling happens in a legal manner without negatively affecting the environment.”
The metro declined to comment, saying the matter was sub judice.
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