Growing concern over land invasion

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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - With Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, a lot of activity has slowed down or come to an abrupt halt.

However, over the last three months, Thembalethu's informal settlements are expanding at an incredible rate.

Those living in Pacaltsdorp have raised concern about the rate of development they've witnessed from their side of the valley. Lookout points from New Dawn Park give a full view of the expanding township as it encroaches a gorge that serves as a natural border between the two areas.

A bird's eye view on the development suggests that the full expansion stretches from the outskirts of Thembalethu, towards the back end of Rosedale, old Pacaltsdorp and New Dawn Park.

The growth of Thembalethu's informal settlements is visible from a lookout point in New Dawn Park, currently used for illegal dumping of rubbish.

Asked for comment on the illegal acts of land invasion, Director of Protection Services Steven Erasmus said, "Ad-hoc actions in consultation with the police are ongoing and illegal uninhabited structures are removed on a regular basis."

According to a resident in Pacaltsdorp, the modus operandi of the developers are as follows: burn the vegetation, clear the area, start building a hut. "The amount of smoke polluting the area at night has had neighbours complaining of chest problems, sinuses and headaches. Everybody talks about the smoke," said the resident, who wishes to stay anonymous.

About a month ago on 21 May, George Herald reported that law enforcement officials removed unoccupied structures in an area in Thembalethu called Robben Island. The pattern of burning and building was also noted, with specific reference to the area between Rosedale and Thembalethu.

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George Herald also reported on 9 April (Plakkers vat kanse tydens pandemie) that officials of the municipal anti-land occupation unit were forced to demolish illegal structures on an open plot of land in Rosedale.

A huge clearing in the vegetation where a previous burn has paved the way for further development. Photos: Michelle Pienaar