Over the past few weeks law enforcement officers of the City of Cape Town have tackled homeless camps in Strand and Somerset West, clearing the area of rubble and makeshift structures, much to the approval of residents.
But many of the homeless remain in their tents, and it is yet unclear if they will be forcibly removed and, if so, where they will be relocated.
“We have only three weeks left,” a homeless person who did not identify himself told DistrictMail. “We were told if we don’t move by the end of June they will move us. We don’t know where else to go.”
Homeless people’s tents remain in place across the street from the Somerset West Police Station as well as Strand Railway Station. Most have been cleared out of the Strand Police Station vicinity.
According to a statement from the City in response to questions, no eviction order has been issued to any of the homeless.
“The City’s departments had a cleansing operation in the area where the different sites are cleaned and sanitised,” it said “Law Enforcement was on site to support the workers.”
The statement clarified that no people are removed from sites, but cleansing operations were conducted instead. But this has only compounded frustrations by residents who stay close to the homeless camps, such as those in the vicinity of the private road across from Somerset West Police Station. They’ve been complaining for years and allude to health, safety and nuisance concerns.
“It’s absolutely disgusting,” one resident said. “There are human faeces all over the park. We can’t even take our dogs for a walk anymore, we can’t keep our windows open, and petty crime is on the rise.”
The City maintains the community needs to report all street people who attempt to set up and camp on any public open spaces to 021 480 7700.
“It will act in terms of its bylaws and applicable legislation,” it assured.
According to Ward 83 councillor Carl Punt, the socio-economic problem faced is worsened by substance abuse, criminal activities and a disregard for the South African law and City of Cape Town bylaws.
“One thing we always need to take in consideration, is humanity and dignity,” he said. “As a City we always need to act in a respectful and human manner, and by doing so its bylaws are invoked.” Punt added that the City’s Law Enforcement acted on those living on the pavement in front of Strand Police Station about two weeks ago and everyone was given the opportunity of alternative accommodation.
“Now the City is also busy following the same process for those living in front of Strand Railway Station,” he said.
