R28m spent on foreign nationals' accommodation

EVICTION PLANS

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

DOCUMENTS citing the eviction of foreign nationals from Wingfield Tent in Kensington and Paint the City in Bellville have revealed that its upkeep has cost state organs, including the City and the Department of Home Affairs, R28 million in maintenance since its inception.

In an affidavit by Cape Town mayor, Geordin Hill Lewis, revealed that it cost the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and other government departments over R400000 per month for the running cost of Wingfield Tent and over R240000 per month for Paint the City.

In the court documents shared with Cape Argus, spreadsheets, including the eviction application, details of the foreign nationals' places of residency and other particulars were clarified.

"I attach hereto FA23" an excel spreadsheet. Demonstrating the total costs that have been incurred by the DHA to date. As appears there an amount of approximately R28m has been expended by the state in accommodating the respondents," said Hill-Lewis via his affidavit.