Govt fails to relocate Kwa Seteneng squatters

Oarabile Mosikare | Friday September 26, 2014 15:50

 

“Please be advised that failure to do so within the stipulated time will result in engaging the Attorney General to lawfully evict you,” read the letter dated July 26, 2013 from the department to the squatters.

The squatters were allowed to temporarily continue moulding bricks at Kwa Seteneng after the demolition exercise, which took place from March 6 to 10, 2006. 

The squatters, who were actively involved in the brick moulding exercise, were given a grace period of six months to continue their operations while the modalities of how they were to be assisted were being worked out.

The department listed 30 squatters who qualified for assistance.

According to documents seen by Mmegi, the squatters were supposed to be moved to Plot 70791 near Riverwalk Mall. 

This new address was supposed to be transferred to Seteneng Community Trust and one Letsweletse Mmope was recognised as coordinator of the project.

Mmope had even taken it upon himself to effect the necessary rehabilitation work to ready the land in line with the nature of the proposed urban agricultural and biodiversity project.

For years now, there has been a delay in finalising the process.

However, on October 10, 2011 Mmope wrote to the Ministry of Lands and Housing about the trust formation.

He said Bojanala (Pty) Limited has already undertaken substantial work and incurred expenses relating to the consultancy work by various disciplines to ready Plot 70791 for operations.

Mmope furnished proof of work already undertaken such as a cadastral survey diagram, topographic survey map, conceptual architectural plans, draft trust deed and an environmental rehabilitation plan.

“Despite the above work and expense, it is becoming difficult to proceed with the developments on the ground as legal transfer of title to the community trust is still to be effected. 

As is common with community projects involving multiple participants and stakeholders, delays have bogged down the process.

This has not only affected the community project but our own project on Plot 6774.

You will be aware that some of the squatters are actually carrying out brick-making activity on Plot 6774,” said Mmope.

He said of late the complexion of the area has drastically changed with almost 90 percent of the brick makers being illegal aliens.

“Currently, I am faced with a huge bill of arrear lease rentals as a result of not being able to operate my business although developments are in place.

“I am therefore exploiting the possibility of your ministry facilitating a license arrangement of possibly one to five years’ duration in the name of Bojanala.  This will be a holding arrangement on behalf of the Seteneng Community Trust to allow development on Plot 70791 and movement of the squatters from the area presently by them,” he said.

On July 11, 2014 the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Thato Raphaka, wrote to Mmope about the relocation of Kwa Seteneng squatters. 

“We have been discussing this matter for quite some time now. Unfortunately we have not yet reached a resolute position,” wrote Raphaka.

He said a task team would review previous decisions taken on the issue and relate them to the prevailing situation while making recommendations accordingly.

He added that the team would complete its task by end of July 2014.

“It is indeed our hope that this matter will be brought to its logical conclusion soon.

I therefore request for your indulgence in being patient while we work together with you and the affected squatters to reach a common destination,” stated Raphaka.