Homeless shelter for Strandfontein
|Published
SHELTER LOCATION: ID Morkel Hall. Picture: Monique Duval
Plans to open a homeless shelter in Strandfontein has riled up residents who say they were not consulted.
The matter was discovered by ward councillor, Elton Jansen, who says during an activity day for the subcouncil on Tuesday it was revealed that the City of Cape Town would be funding the project by the Haven Night Shelter which would see the ID Morkel Hall being transformed into a shelter for 100 people.
Mario Oostendurp of the Strandfontein Ratepayers and Residents Association says the City is once again disrespecting their community.
“In principle, it’s a good initiative and we as a community will support any projects and initiatives where the less fortunate and the homeless are assisted.
“However, as per the previous, now very infamous 2020 Strandfontein Homeless Camp, none of our own homeless persons or those who live in the immediate and surrounding informal settlements are being accommodated,” he says.
Hassan Khan, CEO of the Haven Nightshelter, confirms that the shelter will be set up by 1 August, after an arrangement was made with the church currently occupying the property.
“The shelter will have 100 beds and there was no need to consult with residents because they are very far from there.
“There are sand dunes, a double carriage roadway that separates the hall from Strandfontein,” he says.
However, Yvonne Perries from the Oppermans Oord Informal settlement situated near the hall says they too object to the shelter.
“We have our own challenges and I don’t feel it is right. We feel sorry for homeless people but why must they put the people here? Daar is baie dinge wat hier aangaan.”
City mayco member for community services and health, Zahid Badroodien, says the City
will not be opening a shelter in Strandfontein.
He says as part of the Winter Readiness program the City approved an application for additional resource support by the Haven Night Shelter to open up additional temporary shelter space making use of a church facility in the area.
“The support provides aid in the form of blankets, mattresses, non-perishable food items and toiletries to qualifying shelters who are able to increase their bed spaces to meet the increased demand for shelter space during winter.In addition, the City provides EPWP workers to assist with cleaning and cooking at shelters. No funding is disbursed.”
He says the Haven will now further consult the ward councilor and the support ready to be accessed will be halted until it is required.