​Leaders in some informal settlements are preventing the City of Cape Town from cleaning their communities, which now poses serious health risks. Some leaders are unhappy with and are attempting to interfere in the employment processes of the City’s Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP].

The problem has been exacerbated by the internal tension and conflict between the community and their elected leaders.

We have been engaging with some of the communities and their nominated leaders since the beginning of August, but have been unable to reach an agreement.

We will continue to engage with the other affected communities, and in the interests of the health and safety of our residents, are urging the leadership to allow a clean-up of the areas to take place, while we continue to engage and resolve the issues.

Informal settlements such as Kosovo, Monwood, Samora, Sweet Home, Ward 34, Ward 80, Area K, Heinz Park, Phola Park, Marcus Garvey, Barcelona, Boys Town, Europe and Marikana are currently affected.

The City of Cape Town has attempted to reinstate services, but we have continually been prevented from doing so. We are, therefore, extremely concerned about the risk this now poses to residents.

Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Alderman Xanthea Limberg; Subcouncil Chairperson, Alderman Antonio Van Der Rheede; and Subcouncil Manager, Mrs Kayise Nombakusi joined me at a number of meetings.

The Expanded Public Works Programme is a core element of the City’s strategic focus of being an opportunity city and EPWP projects are a key contributor to job creation and skills development.  

The City of Cape Town condemns the actions of a few, which is causing the majority of residents to suffer its effects. However, the City remains committed to resolving this issue and restoring services as soon as possible.

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