Cape Town - Shelley Road residents in Salt River whose homes were expected to be put on the market have met the City’s human settlements department after it announced that residents may qualify for transfer or discounted sale of the properties they resided in for decades.
The City previously confirmed that nine households were issued notices indicating an intent to sell the properties, as they were surplus to the City’s needs after the Council approved the disposal in 1999.
Ahead of the meeting with the City on Tuesday, one of the affected residents, part of the Shelley Road Anti-Eviction Committee, Sheradia Brown, 62, said she was satisfied with the City’s response and was “very happy”.
“I just hope they keep to their promises, that's all,” Brown said.
Following the meeting, affected resident, Jade-lee Geland, 41, said: “The City has done exactly what they said they would do. The MMC (member of the mayoral committee) came out to meet with the residents of Shelley Road, all nine homes. A lot of people’s minds have been put at ease. Nothing has been given to us besides the MMC’s word that he is going to try his best to accommodate each family on this road and we are grateful for that. A lot of us are having sleepless nights worrying about where we are going to live, where our families are going to go. We look forward to the City caring for us as people who have lived in this area all our lives, in these homes all of our lives, raising our kids and we are very grateful.”
In a statement, the City said it was in the process of assessing whether the residents qualified for property transfers under Human Settlements legislation and policy.
Any decision on the release or sale of the properties required a public participation process and Council approval, the City added.
On June 26, the nine households received notices from the City, informing them that their tenancy and leases might be terminated due to the City’s intention to sell the properties.
A similar letter was also issued to occupants where no leases were in place requesting them to vacate the property by no later than July 31.
In the recent statement, the City said the properties were market-related rental properties distinct from Council rental stock and were no longer required for municipal purposes.
“The City’s goal is to fully explore the available means to enable current occupants to possibly become lawful owners of these residences. Should occupants not qualify, the City will explore whether they may be offered the option to purchase at below market rates subject to the necessary approvals, including by the City Council,” the City said.
The GOOD Party, meanwhile, said it welcomed the City's “about-turn on their inhumane and unlawful attempt to evict Shelley Road residents and to sell their homes right from under their feet”.
Party councillor Jonathan Cupido said: “There was also no public participation process related to the sale of these houses and the sale has not yet been before Council for approval. We, therefore, welcome the announcement by the City. But the blatant dishonesty of the City’s leadership is extremely disappointing. The City was not following due process, as claimed in their media statement, and clearly had no intention to assist occupants in potentially owning these units.”
Cape Argus