According to reports, there are plans underway to relocate hundreds of foreign nationals living in the Cape Town CBD. A site for their relocation has been identified in Bellville and should be ready soon.
The reports say marquees, which can accommodate up to 600 people, are being erected for foreign nationals living in the Central Methodist Church and near the police station in Buitenkant Street.
Minister of Public Works, Patricia De Lille, together with Mayoral Committee Member for community services, Zahid Badroodien and Land Reform Deputy Minister, Mcebisi Skwatsha, reportedly visited the area, to inspect progress made.
De Lille reportedly said that relocation will start once the site is serviced with water and sanitation facilities.
“For now, we have prioritised the refugees because we are very concerned. We are sitting on a time bomb in the church. No social distancing. Even the refugees in the streets at the moment always congregate in groups of hundred and more. So, it is of concern with the coronavirus. We are working together. This is the first site we are preparing. We are in the process of procuring another marquee like this in Maitland.”
According to reports, the Mayoral Committee Member in the City of Cape Town, Zahid Badroodien, has welcomed the cooperation between the City and the national government to relocate the refugees.
Land Reform Deputy Minister Mcebisi Skwatsha says it is crucial that the site has water and sanitation before the foreign nationals are moved into the place.
De Lille has reportedly said the plan to move the foreign nationals to the site in Bellville, will involve the City, Home Affairs and the South African Police Services.
