Question NW1090 to the Minister of Public Works
23 May 2016 - NW1090
Kohler-Barnard, Ms D to ask the Minister of Public Works
(1) (a) What number of his department’s properties have been found to be illegally occupied currently and (b) by whom are these properties illegally occupied; (2) Have any persons involved persons involved in the illegal occupation of the specified properties been criminally charged; if so, how many persons were criminally charged?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works
1. (a) To date, 1 287 properties have been confirmed as illegally occupied.
Below is a summary of instances of unlawful occupation:
|
Province |
Squatters |
Mud houses |
Private houses/ commercial buildings |
Total number of illegally occupied properties |
|
KwaZulu Natal |
128 |
301 |
110 |
539 |
|
Eastern Cape |
20 |
27 |
75 |
122 |
|
Gauteng |
83 |
0 |
66 |
149 |
|
Limpopo |
3 |
0 |
29 |
32 |
|
Northern Cape |
16 |
0 |
47 |
63 |
|
Western Cape |
8 |
0 |
119 |
127 |
|
North West |
31 |
0 |
104 |
120 |
|
Free State |
8 |
1 |
17 |
26 |
|
Mpumalanga |
31 |
10 |
68 |
109 |
|
Total number of illegally occupied properties |
313 |
339 |
635 |
1 287 |
(b) 313 properties are occupied by squatters who have built temporary (squatter camps) residences on the properties. 339 properties are occupied by communities that have built mud structures on the land. 635 properties are occupied by private sector commercial businesses and are being used either as private residences or business premises.
(2) To date, none of the above listed matters listed matters have been referred for criminal investigation. The Department of Public Works is currently following the civil route in order to resolve disputes.
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