Lombardy West land invasion dies down, for now.
ALEXANDRA – Lombardy West land invaders retreat as police keep watch.
Continuing story—–
The attempted land invasion in Lombardy West over the weekend seems to have died down, with Metro and police officers keeping watch.
On Friday night (3 February) and again on Saturday morning, about 100 peopled tried to invade a piece of land on the corner of Grenville and Vincent Tshabalala roads. They, however, retreated. The invaders vowed to continue their attempt to find a place to build their homes following allegations of the City Council and government’s failure to provide them with housing.
Local councillor for Ward 81, Irene Rugheimer, said the invasion was part of a bigger challenge inherited by the current DA administration from their predecessors. “Land invasions are a council-wide problem which requires proper planning and will take some time to resolve. In this instance, the invasion is by Alex residents who should seek a solution to their housing problem from their local councillors,” Rugheimer said.
She added that the invaders tried but failed in December last year to occupy the land after they had broken down a fence and burnt down a guard house erected by the Joburg Development Agency. Disputing allegations by the invaders that the land belonged to no one, she said it belonged to the City Council and had been earmarked for the development of the Rea Vaya Transport network.
“The MMC for Housing [Mzobanzi Ntuli] is coordinating efforts in council to address the housing challenge, which won’t be fixed overnight,” Rugheimer stressed.
Details: Councillor Irene Rugheimer 072 409 6594.
Read: Lombardy East saga continues
