Infrastructure
(a) What are the barriers preventing the provincial government from recognising the occupation of Ahmed Kathrada House as a lived alternative, (b) what steps are being taken to address these barriers, (c) when will he be meeting with the residents to engage in dialogue to find a fair and lasting solution and (d)(i) what is the latest update on energy provision to the residents and (ii) what steps are being taken by his Department to ensure that the residents have reliable and affordable access to electricity?
(a) The refusal of the unlawful occupants to vacate the site is preventing our publicly-stated plans for the redevelopment of the site for amongst others, social housing, to proceed.
(b) As required as part of an eviction application, alternative relocation options are being considered to accommodate the unlawful occupants.
(c) Once the Department has finalised the plans for the relocation of the unlawful occupants and should it then be necessary, such a meeting could be considered.
(d)(i) The Department has installed external solar flood lights to illuminate the external areas including walkways for security reasons. Individual solar lights were provided by the Department for the safety of the residents whilst inside the building and at night out of concern for the safety of vulnerable residents who have elected to occupy the building without permission.
(d)(ii) All previously existing electrical conduits and fittings have been vandalised, making the provision of electrical connections impossible. As indicated in the reply to (d)(i), the Department has installed external solar flood lights to illuminate the external areas including walkways for security reasons. Individual solar lights were provided by the Department for the safety of the residents whilst inside the building and at night out of concern for the safety of vulnerable residents who have elected to occupy the building without permission.
