Tshwane metro applies to evict Mams land invaders who “steal” water
The current occupation took place recently and the metro does not recognise the area as an informal settlement.
Tshwane metro wants to evict the land invaders that connect water illegally to their neighbouring reservoir in Mamelodi.
The metro confirmed it has approached the courts to this end.
Gauteng education and the Emasangweni primary school governing body are also in the process of drilling a borehole to fill the water tanks when there is a shortage of water in the area.
Recently residents complained of dry taps or low water pressure in Ikageng ext. 3, Mahube Valley and Mamelodi East Phase 3 and 4, including the school.
The residents blamed the land invaders near the reservoir for the crisis, claiming they illegally connected their homes to the reservoir.
Tshwane metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo said the land invaders occupied the area only recently and the metro did not recognise the area as an informal settlement.
He said the metro has now approached the court to begin with the process of eviction. The case is set down for February 20.
“The city has allocated two water tankers to service the affected area,” said Mashigo.
The human settlements department relocated the residents along the reservoirs to Nellmapius ext. 21 and 24 in 2013. The settlement was known as Phase 1.
Concerned Emasangweni parents and residents of Phase 4 have blamed the metro for not sorting out the water crisis in Mamelodi.
Parent Johannes Seduke said he believes that the illegal connections to the reservoir’s water pipes are the main reason for the persistent outages.
“The problem actually started two years ago,” he said.
“Now, our schoolchildren are forced to carry at least two water bottles to school every day for hydration while teachers who have cars ferry water buckets to school,” said Seduke.
“We are sending our children to school while we go to work and when our children are sent back home because there is no water, who is going to look after them?”
He said life without water is very difficult.
“Where can our children go when they need to use the bathroom? Some of the learners have already started using nearby bushes because the toilets are not functional.
“The department and the metro must act fast to sort out the issue. Everyone is suffering – both learners and the community,” he said.
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department is aware of the water crisis in Mamelodi East area affecting schools in the area.
He said Emasangweni had three water tanks that the metro filled up daily whenever there was a water shortage in the area.
“The SGB is currently in the process of drilling a borehole which will be utilised to fill the water tanks when there is a shortage of water within the area.
“The metro has a challenge with the trucks that deliver water to the said school,” said Mabona.
He said the department is in constant engagement with the metro while the SGB concludes the borehole project within a reasonable timeframe.
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