Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Selmé Pretorius and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Kabelo Moreeng. See attached pictures here, here, and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will table urgent questions in Council and push for immediate enforcement measures to address the escalating illegal occupation crisis in Mangaung. Shacks are being erected in open areas, creating unsafe conditions and exposing residents to serious health, safety, and environmental risks.
The ongoing issue of illegal occupation in our city has reached a boiling point. Shacks are being erected in open areas, and the situation is spiralling out of control. Not only is this a blatant disregard for the law, but it also poses significant risks to public health and safety.
The problem is further exacerbated by the actions of some illegal occupants who collect refuse bags, empty them in fields and open spaces, and take recyclables while leaving behind trash. This contributes to the growing problem of illegal dumping, which has severe consequences for our environment and community.
The safety risks associated with these illegal occupants cannot be overstated. Fire hazards are a significant concern, as evident in the situation with illegal occupants in and around our landfill sites. Moreover, crime rates in these areas tend to increase, negatively affecting the quality of life for residents and reducing property values.
Despite repeated calls to the Municipality, this issue remains unresolved. The Municipality must take immediate and decisive action to address this problem. The DA urges the Municipality to:
- Secure Fences: Ensure that parks, where applicable, and other public spaces are properly fenced to prevent unauthorised occupation.
- Swift Response: Respond promptly to incidents of illegal occupation and take decisive action to prevent further escalation.
- Contingency Planning: Develop and implement contingency plans to address the social and economic challenges underlying this issue.
- Regular Patrols: Conduct regular patrols in high-risk areas to deter illegal occupation and dumping.
- 24-Hour Hotline: Establish a 24-hour operational law enforcement hotline to report incidents and concerns.
Furthermore, the DA emphasises the need for the Municipality to address the social issue of people living in open spaces due to a lack of alternative housing options. This requires a comprehensive approach that involves government agencies, community organisations, and other stakeholders.
The time for action is now. We cannot afford to wait any longer for the Municipality to take its responsibilities seriously. As a community, we deserve better.