The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) supports the demolition of The Haven Night Shelter near the Tienie Meyer Bridge in Bellville. The building has become part of a larger crisis affecting the area.
This is not a decision that was taken lightly. The building has been extensively vandalised, is unsafe and currently costs the City of Cape Town almost R170 000 per month for security alone.
Despite this substantial expenditure, the building is still frequently vandalised and plundered. It is simply not sustainable.
Taxpayers cannot be expected to keep paying to secure a building that is a soft target for vandalism and criminal activities.
The Haven Night Shelter used to fulfil a crucial role. It was there long before the current crisis at the Tienie Meyer Bridge. Haven’s fieldworkers worked tirelessly day and night, often at great personal risk, reaching out and attempting to rehabilitate hardened drug users and people involved in crime and prostitution.
Unfortunately, what was once a safe haven has now become part of the problem.
The situation at the Tienie Meyer Bridge is particularly complex. The land belongs to various parties – the City of Cape Town, PRASA and Transnet. This has resulted in protracted legal battles between the Metro, PRASA and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) over the removal of illegal structures.
While these cases drag on in the courts, the situation at grass-roots level continues to deteriorate. Homeless people fall victim to crime, drugs and exploitation, while residents, businesses and commuters bear the consequences.
The Freedom Front Plus is, therefore, imploring all government role players to establish a permanent, multidisciplinary task team to tackle the entire crisis in Bellville head-on.
Steps should be proactive rather than reactive. Earlier and more decisive intervention could have saved millions of rand.
The party believes that Bellville can be restored; it does not have to be the City of Cape Town’s stepchild.
With proper coordination, law enforcement, rehabilitation and political will, the area can once again become safe and liveable for residents, businesses and vulnerable people alike.
