CoJ warns Alex residents occupying vacant containers of removal
Dozens of families were evicted by the City of Johannesburg on Tuesday but they've threatened to return.
Some Alexandra residents rebuilt their homes along the Jukskei River on 8 January 2024 after the river flooded following heavy rain a few days earlier. Picture: Thabiso Goba/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The City of Johannesburg has warned Alexandra residents who have illegally occupied government housing containers that they will be removed.
Tensions have reached a boiling point between the city and the occupants who took shelter in the containers near Marlboro.
Dozens of families were evicted by the City of Johannesburg on Tuesday but they've threatened to return.
The 175 units that were earmarked for occupation during the COVID-19 pandemic have never been used.
The now-homeless residents have defended their actions, saying they have nowhere else to go.
However, City of Johannesburg spokesperson, Nthatisi Modingoane, said residents had been warned since March last year to steer clear from the property.
"The invaders were notified of the court order that we obtained, so after consultation with all the roleplayers, it was agreed that the operation be undertaken."
Modingoane said the units remained dormant because they were not connected to essential services such as electricity and water.
"We had a little bit of a delay in terms of making sure that the connection of services is there but it was not going to be humane for us as well to move people in while the necessary amenities are not in place."
Residents said they are at a crossroads given the housing crisis in Alexandra.