Illegal structures belonging to squatters removed at construction site along Garstfontein Road

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23-06-2025
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Pretoria Rekord
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Motorists and residents have voiced their concerns over the safety of squatters as heavy machinery operates in the area daily.

The Tshwane metro has confirmed the removal of illegal structures that previously housed people living along a section of Garstfontein Road, where road upgrades are underway.

Motorists recently raised concerns about squatters living at the edge of the road between Solomon Mahlangu Drive and just before Waterglen Shopping Centre.

This particular stretch is an active construction zone, where heavy machinery operates daily as part of the ongoing road expansion project.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed the removal of the structures.

“The complaint about vagrants’ structures erected along Garstfontein Road was attended to. Those structures were successfully removed,” said Mashigo.

The road project officially began with mobilisation on November 28, 2024, and the site was formally handed over to the appointed contractor on January 21 this year.

The contractor has 30 months to complete the upgrades.

Already, signs of progress are visible, including the placement of concrete barriers, setting-out activities, heavy machines at the site, and rerouting of essential services.

However, the presence of homeless people living within this area has sparked concern among road users.

Ward 83 councillor Andrew Lesch said several intersections on Garstfontein Road will be upgraded and will be safer to use.

He previously noted the presence of the squatters, who have been there for a while.

At the time, Lesch said Tshwane officials and the Department of Human Settlements were busy engaging the people with an aim to remove them.

He said at first, the squatters had refused to be moved.

“It is very unsafe for the people to live at a site where heavy machines are used daily, and it is also unsafe for the contractors to work at a site where human activity can cause disruptions.

“The departments are working hard to remove or relocate these people to shelters within the city, as we are trying to avoid a scene of injuries or even death,” he said previously.

Alan Clark, who frequently drives through the area, said he witnessed several people gathered near the construction zone, making fires to stay warm at night.

“It’s extremely unsafe for both the squatters and the workers on site,” said Clark.

“Living at a road construction site exposes them to heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and unstable ground, which could lead to severe injury or even death.”

Clark added that while the squatters may not mean any harm and are simply seeking shelter, their presence is disrupting construction operations.

“Workers now have to work around them, which could lead to delays and increased costs. The municipality needs to act, as this situation reflects broader social challenges like homelessness and the lack of support services in Tshwane.”

Another motorist, Shane Mashigo, echoed those concerns.

He described a recent experience where a squatter was crossing the dark road at night.

“I initially thought it was a criminal trying to target motorists,” Mashigo said.

“This is a serious public safety issue. Drivers and pedestrians don’t expect people to be living on a construction site, especially in such a poorly lit area.”

Mashigo urged the city to intervene urgently.

“These people need to be removed and relocated to a place of safety. It’s winter, and no one should be sleeping in the open under these conditions. If this issue isn’t addressed, it could escalate and eventually turn into another informal settlement, as has happened in other parts of Tshwane.”