CITY'S GHOST TOWN PLANS REJECTED

Outcry over decision to increase population of informal settlement

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

THE Ken-Fac Residents and Ratepayers Association are vehemently opposing the City of Cape Town's plan to expand the Ghost Town informal settlement at Gate 1 of the Maitland Cemetery, which is apparently set to accommodate an additional 60 families relocating from Salt River.

Ward 56 councillor, Cheslyn Steenberg, has since publicly apologised for the decision, saying he did not properly consult with residents.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, together with Steenberg, is set to provide a live broadcast at 7pm today on Facebook regarding feedback on issues including the Ghost Town informal settlement saga, developments in Kensington and Maitland, and the Wingfield Refugee tent.

In response to the opposition by the ratepayers, mayco member for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim, said an "upgrade" of the informal settlement would be taking place, which would include relocation opportunities.

"The City seeks to undertake a formal upgrade project at what is known as the Ghost Town informal settlement," he said.

"The settlement has existed for many years in an undignified condition. Through this upgrade, formalised basic services and alternative building technology homes will be provided on a 1:1 basis. Surplus opportunities will be utilised for pressing relocation needs. The upgrade project will ensure a safe and well managed settlement taking all substantive comments raised into consideration as well."