Seven Tanks relocation ‘halted by DA’

THE relocation of a “forgotten” community living in the Silverglen Nature Reserve has been halted.

In August last year, families met the Department of Human Settlements to discuss being moved out of their wood-and-iron homes. Earlier in the year the residents, whose past generations had occupied land there for close to a century, came under attack by land invaders who were hoping to set up home in the reserve.

After months of working with police, community leaders and the department, the residents felt some sort of relief. However, months later they have yet to be moved out of their homes.

According to KZN Human Settlements MEC Ravi Pillay, while the temporary relocation to Lotus Primary School grounds was planned, the project had to be halted.

“Ward 70 DA councillor Tony Govender lodged an objection. We do not believe the objection has any merit. We were disappointed at this selfish attitude in the face of the crisis faced by the community of Seven Tanks.”

Govender said he had not objected to the relocation process – he met residents from Westcliff last August who asked why Seven Tanks community was being moved to a transit site in their area.

“All I did was give feedback to the MEC. I did not halt any processes,” he said.

Sites for construction have been identified in Silverglen, Savannah Park and Arena Park.