WHAT was once a thriving community garden in Clairwood has turned into an informal settlement, with mobile toilets lining Cherry Road.

Residents say the facilities are unhygienic and poorly maintained, creating safety and sanitation concerns, while the ward councillor insists plans are underway to relocate the dwellers.

Also read: Clairwood seeks mayor’s intervention over informal settlement saga

According to resident Pravin Nansook, ward councillor, Protas Mngonyama relocated eight shacks to the area about two years ago, with the promise that he is in the process of finding them alternative arrangement within six months.

“Soon after, portable toilets were dropped off, despite health and safety concerns. Since then, more dwellers have moved in. There are more than 100 shacks already with no action taken by Mngonyama to have them removed,” Nansook said.

According to Nansook, he was forced to move out of his home. “The stench was overwhelming,” said Nansook.

Mngonyama, however, said allocating houses is the responsibility of the provincial and national government.

“I have submitted the request, outlining the reasons these residents need housing, and I am now awaiting feedback. I can confirm that the informal dwellers will be relocated to a safer location once all plans are approved,” he said.

Also read: Proposed informal market could collapse The Bluff’s economy

Public relations officer for the Clairwood Ratepayers and Residents Association (CRRA), Ravin Brijlal, said the land used to be a community garden where people used to plant vegetables to sell.

“This was supposed to be for six months, it’s been two years. The amount of shacks are growing and the people are multiplying. The toilets are leaking and the stench is horrible.

“Nobody should be forced to live like this, especially children who often play in the street,” he lamented.
Mngonyama said the allegations aimed at him stem from racial tensions. “I believe those opposing the informal dwellers are motivated by racism. They fail to embrace cultural diversity as they should,” Mngonyama said.

Responding to concerns over unhygienic toilets in front of the houses, he said that the facilities are cleaned twice a week.

Also read: Ward 64 hosts major Glanville Road Garden Refuse Site clean-up

“The service provider will remove the toilets soon, and I trust they will be relocated to a more suitable site away from people’s homes. I have received the complaints and action is being taken,” he added.

Mngonyama also explained that the community garden project was halted after eThekwini Municipality found the land rocky and infertile.

“It’s municipal land that was deemed not suitable for a community garden. It is now occupied by residents,” Mngonyama said.
In the meantime, he confirmed that stand water pipes were provided for the community as well.

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