Shallcross meeting

“People are just not happy. They feel as if they’ve been targeted,” said community activist Marcus Richards.

They said, “We’re not saying don’t build houses for any person whatsoever”.

Richards said many residents were still waiting for housing for the past 30-35 years and nothing has been done for them.

"The current flats need renovation as the asbestos roofs, installed 60 years ago by the apartheid government, leak and cause mould. Two seniors have died of mould infections in the past two months.

"The parks are the only places left where people practice their religion, children play, and pupils wait for taxis. They are not harmed in any way."

Shallcross High School has 99% black African pupils, Richards explained. The pupils have not experienced any racial tension or interference while walking in the area.

“So there’s no such thing as racial tensions in the area,” Richards stated.

He also said the area had four informal settlements. They know and interact with the indunas (headmen). During the floods and looting, they gave bread, food, water and medical treatment because there was no help from the government.

“My team and I rebuilt the Hans Dettman and the Blundell bridges at our own cost with the people from the informal settlement helping us,” Richards said.

“So where they get this idea from to come to build houses in the only remaining open spaces, it is counterproductive to what is currently happening.”

He said Sunday marked 10 days that Shallcross was without water in the taps.

“Where are they going to get water from to supply the extra residents?” he asked.

Richards said their infrastructure has failed, sewage is running into the rivers and roads in all areas are in a terrible state.

“How is this all going to happen? It’s something that they haven’t sat down and properly thought out.

“There was no proper dialogue and consultation with stakeholders,” Richards said.

“So it’s going to be a nightmare of proportions if they start this development.”