City starts demolishing houses for MyCiTi bus route
MUCH to the dismay of residents, the city has started demolishing its houses in Wynberg to make space for a MyCiTi bus route in the area.
The city is currently demolishing six of its 32 houses in the area, and is forging ahead with plans to evict families from its 26 other houses to make way for a MyCiTi trunk route through Wynberg and Plumstead.
Tenants have been served council notices terminating their leases and have until January 31 to vacate.
Clive Muller, one of the residents who faces eviction, said: “No matter what may come, we will not be moved. We have seen that the demolitions have started and while it is disconcerting, it comes as no surprise because the city has always been arrogant in their approach to this matter. They say they are a caring city, but they are the exact opposite. We won’t be moved because the city (has) not met constitutional requirements to consult us.”
Mayco member for transport Brett Herron said the houses had been acquired by the city for the purpose of demolishing them when the time came to build the planned road. “The city offered leases on the houses so that they did not stand vacant for decades. Those tenants have been given notice to vacate the properties by January 31 as these houses will be required for the roadway,” he said.
Herron said in terms of the lease agreement, the city had the right to terminate the lease on two months’ written notice.
“Should the tenant fail to vacate the property, the city will be forced to follow the processes set out in the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land,” he said.