Wolwerivier only relocation option for Bromwell residents

THE Western Cape High Court heard that Wolwerivier located near Atlantis is the only relocation area available for Bromwell Street residents who are facing eviction.

The City of Cape Town’s advocate, Karrisha Pillay, said the City does not have emergency housing closer than Wolwerivier.

“If accommodation were to be made available immediately, Wolwerivier is available.” In response Judge Mark Sher asked what the temporary accommodation would entail. “And how humane will it be?”

Judge Sher further stated that he wanted the City to give an undertaking that if people are relocated that transitional housing will be available to them.

“Even if the developer of Bromwell came on board and made money available for temporary housing, people can’t expect to stay for free, but they can pay what they can afford. I would also like to know, should the people be moved to Wolwerivier, how does it influence them receiving housing in Woodstock or Salt River? The environmental authorisation of the area has not been cleared up.”

In response to this, Pillay said that she will ask her client. And that people receive houses according to the housing waiting list.

Advocate Sheldon Magardie, who is representing the residents, said two of the sites the applicants identified for transitional housing, the City recently earmarked for transitional housing.

“The City of Cape Town should have provided this information earlier. In reference to the Blue Moonlight case where the City of Johannesburg received an order to provide emergency housing to people.

“The City accepted responsibility for the bad conditions people were staying in, especially during winter.”

Graham Beukes, 37, said he was born in Bromwell Street. “I currently stay five minutes from where I work. I have been staying with my elderly mom, so if we move, it means that our family will be separated.”