Cape Town - The City of Cape Town says it has identified sites for the relocation of a group that has taken occupation behind the Epping Market green wall.
City spokesperson Luthando Tyalibhongo said community engagement was still to take place.
The green wall that was built after the Epping Market was removed in 2021 is now causing a headache for the residents of Thornton.
The Ratepayers and Residents’ Association said information received from ward councillor Riad Davids was that previously the informal market had both traders and illegal occupiers when the City and Epping Market managed to convince all the traders to move into the market.
The illegal occupiers allegedly remained and the market put up the green wall, it said.
Thornton Ratepayers’ Association chairperson Vanessa Edwards said there had been complaints from the residents, especially those close to the wall, who she said were the most affected.
Edwards said crime had also gone up with the increased number of occupiers. She said many stolen goods had been recovered behind the wall.
“The occupiers were supposed to be moved and were given notice but the pandemic hit. They are supposed to be moved but it is just not happening.
“Other areas have the same problems where they can’t get the street people moved. This is because they have the opportunity to decline where they are offered to be moved.
“Street people have more rights than the people who are paying rates and taxes. We live in fear, while we pay taxes. We are also entitled to safety and security. However, that is disrupted by them,” she said.
Edwards said the occupation had contributed to the increased illegal dumping, as the occupiers went through people’s dirt and dumped it. She said this dirt eventually got blown to other people’s properties.
She said the children were also at risk of getting knocked over by cars as they played on the side of the road, and that there was a high risk of accidents with people living close to the road.
One of the occupiers, who asked not to be named, alluded to the residents’ frustrations. However, she said not all of them were involved in criminality and drugs.
She said the green wall helped to ensure that their children did not cross the busy Epping Market Road.