25 June 2014
SACP Western Cape Province condemns the gross negligence of the City of Cape Town and Provincial government resulting in ongoing suffering of the community of Agste Laan in Valhalla Park. Through the DA familiar strategy of divide, manipulate and deceive, the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Provincial government have deepened their tirade of oppression on the working class community of Agste Laan.
It is now over six months since the 2013 fires that left 1500 homeless with little to no progress at offering assistance and improving the living conditions of the affected working class and poor community. This is in sharp contrast to statements made by the City of Cape Town and the Provincial government in the aftermath of the fires. The City of Cape Town (8 January) claimed in a statement that "All residents of Agstelaan informal settlement have been rehoused despite the unrest in the area. This is thanks to outstanding efforts of City staff and forms part of our commitment to being a caring city." In addition, the MEC for Social Development Albert Fritz (30 December) said in a statement "The Department of Social Development was concerned and needed to look at the vulnerability of the children, so we had to fast-track this plan for people with children."
Both of these insincere and cosmetic publications have proven to be deceptions. The community of Agste Laan is still without electricity despite the existing distribution network with cables and the installation of meters which reflect nothing but ticking the proverbial cosmetic development box. Community members have resorted using wood in the ravages of winter. Moreover, residents are expected to draw water from taps that are in effect non-functional and obsolete. The recent heavy rains continuously flood the area with structures in place often flooded, and woman and children left drenched and knee-deep in water. Recent accounts indicate that infants have suffered tremendously this winter with little to no access to information from the City and a completely absent Ward Councillor to account for the developments.
This disaster is occurring ten minutes from the seat of the City of Cape Town and Provincial government.
The SACP in the Province will continue to expose the City and Provincial governments` racist negligent administration in the provision of basic services and amenities to working class areas. The Party will also coordinate and lead action to confront the DA`s neo-apartheid attitude.
Issued by SACP Western Cape
Enquires
Masonwabe Sokoyi
SACP Western Cape Provincial Spokesperson
Cell: 0741772068/ 0765243242
Office: 021 762 9717
Fax: 086 558 2481
Twitter: @SACPWC
Facebook: SACP Western Cape
Email: sacpwc.media@gmail.com