Piles of clothes, mattresses and items of furniture were strewn across the street of Moth building, when 145 people were evicted from the Johannesburg city centre on Wednesday, 11 December.
The building was filled with detritus – food wrappers, empty bottles, cigarettes butts- and a foul smell of rotten food combined with urine fills the air.
According to MMC for Human Settlement Mlungisi Mabaso the City obtained evacuation orders for the Moth Building, as well as eight other buildings, and will work tirelessly to ensure a balanced implementation that takes into consideration the potential impact on the occupiers of the buildings. “While the City acknowledges its constitutional obligations regarding emergency accommodation, it also places responsibility on private property owners who neglect property maintenance while continuing to collect rent.”
“In preparation for the evacuation, the City has acquired an alternative building to provide temporary accommodation for those affected. This operation marks a significant step in the City’s efforts to revitalise the Inner City and restore dignity to its residents. The City is committed to finding sustainable solutions that balance the needs of property owners, tenants, and the community at large. This proactive measure aims to mitigate the risk of displacement and prevent disasters such as the Usindiso Building and Jeppestown fire incidents.”
Mabaso added that the City is working closely with various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, Social Development, Human Settlements, and community organisations, to ensure a coordinated and effective execution of the evacuation operation. “This operation is a critical component of the City’s broader strategy to address the prevalence of problem properties and hijacked buildings in the Inner City. By intensifying enforcement and increasing community engagement, the City aims to create a safer, more vibrant, and prosperous urban environment for all residents.”
Once the evacuation is complete, the Moth building will be sealed, and services such as water and electricity will be permanently disconnected to prevent reinvasion.
The City states that it remains committed to revitalising the Inner City, while ensuring the dignified evacuation of those affected.
Thapelo Magola
Soweto Sunrise News
