Uproar over relocation of immigrants

There was resistance from residents in the Moot after the City of Tshwane announced the relocation of more than 400 illegal immigrants, some of whom have serious substance abuse problems, to a residential area.

- Marizka Coetzer

Gezina resident Mari Joubert has lodged a formal dispute and petition regarding the proposed housing project at 531 Nico Smit Street for the occupants of Melgisedek, in what she describes as a lack of mandatory public participation and potential land use violations.

Joubert said there was not only a lack of public participation, but also added that the sudden placement of over 400 people will affect local infrastructure such as water, sewage and electricity and security and property values.

“If the property is not currently zoned for high-density residential use of 400-plus people, the city must apply for consent use or a rezoning application.