Heyday for building of shacks in lockdown

Land invasion is an ongoing concern, with an alarming number of attempts reported during lockdown.

Earlier this week law enforcement officers removed unoccupied structures in an area in Thembalethu called Robben Island. According to the Director of Protection Services, Steven Erasmus, the persons attempting to invade the land live in brick and mortar houses, and allegedly intended to rent out the informal structures to supplement their income. "The land is earmarked for development which will be beneficial to the Thembalethu community. Only unoccupied structures are being removed," said Erasmus.

Meanwhile vegetation between Rosedale and Thembalethu has been cleared over several weeks, through constant burning, to make way for more residential structures. Residents with a view of the area said the burning follows a distinct pattern. "First they burn the vegetation, then they start building in the clearing. Once

First they burn the vegetation, then they start building in the clearing.

Photo: Lizette da Silva Residents are preparing for another phase of shack building in the area between Rosedale and Thembalethu.