At least eight structures from Makhaza Road Reserved informal settlement are expected to be relocated to the SST area in Town Two soon. This after a sewage pipe burst in the area three weeks ago which left the area flooded. One of the flood victims, Zanele Makopolo said she is unaware of the new developments. However, she said she can’t wait to move to the new area, if this is the case.
“I left my shack a long time ago because of the floods. I’m staying with my sister at Empolweni informal settlement in Makhaza. It’s a pity that I don’t have money. I’d buy a new shack and destroy the old one. Imagine staying in a shack which was full of dirty water and human waste,” said Makopolo, adding that some of her belongings are still in the shack. She urged the City to speed up the process.
Another flood victim Nonceba Biyana, said all she needs is a proper place to stay. “It is not nice to stay in somebody else’s house. Sometimes you must compromise and do things that you don’t want to do because you don’t have a choice,” said Biyana.
The City’s Mayco member for human settlements, Carl Pophaim said the City is ready to proceed with the urgent relocation of residents living above a bulk sewer line in Khayelitsha’s SST settlement, to unlock safer living conditions for families and allow essential engineering and infrastructure work to commence.
“There is also an additional urgent relocation that will be prioritised. This relates to the collapsed bulk sewer line in the Makhaza section. The eight affected structures will be included in the priority SST relocation operation. City teams have been assessing relocation opportunities to ensure residents can be moved and teams can carry out the required work. This has been challenging due to the limited land across the metro,” said Pophaim.
He said the proposed site will accommodate 79 3mx6m residential units, with 16 chemical toilets, perimeter fencing and stormwater conduits. He said provision has also been made for a designated area for taxis. Pophaim stated that teams are meeting regularly to coordinate aspects of the relocation and ensure that residents are moved as quickly and safely as possible.
“A contractor has been appointed for site clearing and the installation of toilets and standpipes. The contractor is on standby to construct the structures and fencing, ensuring dignified and secure conditions for the residents. We are ready to proceed. Our priority is to ensure that residents are relocated to a safer, more dignified environment, while enabling the urgent maintenance work which is critical to the broader community,” he said, adding that the City will continue to engage residents and stakeholders as work on the site progresses.
