I welcome the Western Cape High Court’s finding today that the Ward 16 Business Forum and 9 other respondents have been interdicted and restrained from continuing their unlawful activities at our Forest Village Housing Development in Eersteriver.
The court found that the ten respondents are not allowed to intimidate, assault, threaten and harass or unlawfully interfere with the construction of various portions that are taking place at the Forest Village Housing Project; any of the employees of ASLA Construction (Pty)Ltd who is appointed as the main contractor; any other contractor or subcontractor or service provider, while also incurring the cost order.
This sends a clear message that lawlessness will not be tolerated. Resorting to criminality benefits no one. There are thousands of vulnerable residents that are in dire need of a housing opportunity and these unlawful actions only seeks to derail and delay our efforts of ensuring that deserving and qualifying residents are able to benefit from this project.
Providing a housing opportunity for our elderly and disabled is even more critical now than ever before, particularly since we’re faced with this immense fight against COVID-19.
Stakeholders with legitimate grievances should use the legally established structures and platforms, such as their Ward Councillors and Project Steering Committees to raise their concerns. Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s) or potential contractors should also ensure they are registered on the vendor and central supplier databases or the various state frameworks, whilst also meeting all the relevant requirements to be considered for contract opportunities.
We have an open-door policy for anyone to air their views should they have exhausted the necessary structures without finding any joy.
As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.
Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Tel: 021 483 3397
Mobile: 082 721 3362
Email: Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
or
Nathan Adriaanse
Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations
Tell: 021 483 2868
Mobile: 083 2631720
Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za