Pretoria – The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements on Wednesday said while it remains committed to relocating Mamelodi flood victims in Tshwane and other informal settlements, it warned against the unlawful occupation of land.
The department said it was aware of the plight of the Mamelodi flood victims in Tshwane.
These displaced persons are presently housed in the temporary shelter provided by the City of Tshwane.
The department said together with the City of Tshwane they have a plan and remain committed to relocating people from various informal settlements in the province.
“Relocation plans are in progress, we will update the public by February again,” the department said.?
“The relocation to habitable land will only be for those identified areas that pose the greatest risk to people’s lives and livelihoods.
“Informal Settlements on upgradable land will be re-organised to allow for road access for services and for further upgrading.”? ?
The department said it will hire “500 fit and agile people” for a period of two months to safely assist communities with the physical relocation process and erecting structures.
Identified informal settlements in the following municipalities will be relocated; Emfuleni, Midvaal, Mogale City, Rand West, City of Johannesburg, and City of Tshwane.? ?
The department said it “would like to caution Gauteng residents that the illegal occupation of suitable or unsuitable land is dangerous, illegal, and a punishable offence”.
The department added: “It is unwise and unsafe to reside on or alongside flood-prone zones.? ?
“This relocation effort is part of government’s upgrading of informal settlements program policy.”
