Legal battles hinder housing development

THE City of Johannesburg has once again suffered a setback in its efforts to proceed with a mixed housing development to de-densify informal settlements in the Greater Ivory Park area, as the properties earmarked for this project are being occupied by more than 250 homeless people.

- ZELDA VENTER

The City and the occupiers of the land have been embroiled over the years in numerous legal applications some brought by the City and others by the occupiers who want to be left alone. Both parties have scored minor victories over the years, but the fight for the land is still continuing.

In the latest legal tussle, the City turned to the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, to obtain an urgent eviction order against these homeless people. In this latest ruling, the court said while those occupying the land are clearly frustrating the housing development, it reminded the City that these people also have rights.