2009-07-07: There are no plans to relocate residents from Diepsloot to Brits
THE City of Johannesburg wishes to assure Diepsloot residents that there are no immediate or future plans to relocate them to Brits.
The assurance follows sporadic acts of violence, which occurred yesterday and in the early hours of this morning in Diepsloot. Protestors smashed passing cars and a Council owned property in the areas was also damaged. The City wishes to thank members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) who moved swiftly to quell the violence.
The protest is said to have been sparked by an alleged Council's decision to relocate locals to Brits.
According to the ward councillor of the area, an announcement was made at a meeting held on Saturday and Sunday that resident were going to be relocate to an area in Brits.
It is regrettable that certain elements within the community are spreading misleading and false information, which has led this potentially volatile situation.
The correct information about the situation in Diepsloot is:
As contained in the Integrated Development Plans (IDP) for the area, the City of Johannesburg is embarking on a service delivery programme to upgrade the entire sewer system in Diepsloot Extension 1.
The challenge faced is that there are about 320 shacks built on top of the sewer system.
An area has been identified and cleared in Diepsloot Extension 12 for relocation the 320 families.
The City of Johannesburg has been engaging with all stakeholders in the area on the development plans for Diepsloot extension 1 and a general public meeting is also planned for Sunday 12 July 2009 to update members of the public about the project.
The City condemns any act of violence and intimidation. Continued dialogue is the only solution and residents are urged to liaise with local councillors and members of the ward committee whenever they have legitimate concerns.
Currently order and calm has been restored in the area. The law enforcement agencies made up of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and the South African Police Services are on standby for any eventuality
Issued by:
Nthatisi Modingoane
Deputy Director: Communications
CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Tel: (011) 407 7354
Fax: 403 3494
Cell: 082 467 9228
E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za
