Mass removal of shacks carried out at Aquaville

Structures that were illegally erected in the area of the R25 Road reserve in Aquaville, Groblersdal have been removed.

The evictions were carried out following the issuance of several notices to the occupants to vacate the area.

Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) embarked on the clean-up operation during midnight between 10 and 11 August.

Simon Makua, EMLM spokesperson, said erection of structures on designated road reserves constitutes illegal occupation of land and a violation of spatial planning regulations.

“This decisive intervention was undertaken in the interest of public safety and to uphold the integrity of critical road infrastructure. The unauthorised structures posed significant risks to both pedestrians and motorists, obstructing visibility, hindering road maintenance and endangering lives,” Makua stated.

The departments of Home Affairs, Social Development, South African Police Service, local Community Policing Forum and private security companies supported the process.

The settlers in the area included foreign nationals, with others without lawful documentation to be in the country.

They erected the structures for informal trade and ended using them as homes. This continued despite the stalls established in the area to formalise their trade.

Makua maintained that the municipality, acting within its mandate and authority under relevant municipal by-laws, remains committed to orderly land use and the protection of road users.

“Residents are urged to cooperate with municipal authorities and refrain from occupying land unlawfully, particularly in areas critical to infrastructure and public safety,” Makua indicated.

The majority of the residents of Groblersdal appreciated the municipality’s effort, encouraging for consistent monitoring of the area, citing the possible return of the unlawful occupants.