More than 200 illegal shacks demolished in Ekurhuleni

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has demolished more than 200 illegal shacks.

MORE THAN 200 ILLEGAL SHACKS DEMOLISHED

According to a report by Jacaranda FM, hundreds of residents were left homeless on Tuesday.

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The department’s spokesperson, Tahir Sema, said the demolition of the shacks came a year after the community launched a legal challenge to the province’s plan to remove them.

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THE COMMUNITY LAUNCHED A LEGAL CHALLENGE TO THE PROVINCE’S PLAN

They subsequently lost the application.

Sema said following a protracted court battle that started in December 2022, the High Court granted the department an eviction order in January 2023.

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MORE THAN 200 ILLEGAL SHACKS WERE ILLEGALLY CONNECTED ELECTRICITY, WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS

According to Sema, the community also used illegally connected electricity, water, and sewer systems.

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“The invasion disrupted an important programme of the department, the Ikageleng Rapid Land Release Programme, which is meant for deserving beneficiaries who had waited a long time on our waiting list.

“This programme allocates serviced stands with water, electricity and sewer connections to qualifying beneficiaries who earn from R3,501 to R22,000 and can build houses for themselves. The department will not hesitate to evict those who invade land and property.”Tahir Sema said.

EARLIER THIS YEAR A STERN WARNING WAS ISSUED TO THE RESIDENTS

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Earlier this year the department issued a stern warning to residents of Sedibeng District and Tshwane against the fraudulent sale of government land in their communities.

The Department reports that it has since method where the alleged criminals forge documents and claim they are in partnership with the Department, in order to illegally sell land to unsuspecting people.

THE DEPARTMENT URGED RESIDENTS NOT TO BUY GOVERNMENT OWNED STANDS

“In Tshwane, the Department’s Danville project has been one of the housing developments recently targeted while departmental owned land in Eagles Nest in Sedibeng is also being targeted by these illegal activities.”

In a statement, the department urges residents not to buy government owned stands in Danville and Eagles Nest or anywhere around Gauteng for that matter.

“We further caution residents from buying RDP houses from unscrupulous individuals whose sole intention is to scam you of your hard earned money.

“The Department does not charge for its services which includes the allocation of RDP houses or serviced stands under its Ikageleng Rapid Land Release programme.”The Department