Tara Rd squatters no closer to new homes

NEARLY a decade-and-a-half after they were given registered numbers for their shacks, the Tara Road squatters are no nearer to receiving new homes as more illegal shacks are erected, raising concerns for their safety.

13 huts were given registered numbers by the housing department and no further units can be built on the site.

Despite this more have been recently built, with numbers spray painted on them. Whether this has been authorised is unclear as the Sun’s request from the municipality for clarification went unanswered. Added to this is the arrival of people who have taken to sleeping in the bushes alongside the road and canal. “People are sleeping in the bushes because they can’t get a registered number to build a house,” said Lucky Mvuyana (28).

The influx of people into the camp has raised concerns for the legal tenants and surrounding residences. “It is not safe here. There is not enough space for the people who keep arriving and we don’t feel secure,” said informal resident, Yvonne Ferrol (55).

“A makeshift road has been built from the camp through the Bluff Showgrounds and out the other side. This creates a very big crime concern, not only for the squatters, but people using the adjacent fields and people living nearby,” said Bluff Ratepayers Association chairman, Ivor Aylward.

Ablution facilities were recently added to the camp after 14 years of requests. “Before the election, we were promised toilets, showers and containers for housing and lights. We were given toilet facilities, but are still waiting for the rest. We haven’t heard anything more about moving to a new location or getting homes and it is becoming dangerous here. This is no way for people to live,” said squatter camp resident, Goodman (41).