SA’s rail network | Community to approach court over shack relocations

CAPE TOWN - Officials are hoping to shunt residents off the central line to get trains chugging along it soon.

But barriers are being put up by Mitchells Plain residents.

They say they're not against the reopening, but reject plans to move affected residents to Philippi Wedge.

They're prepared to head to court to stop the move.

Mitchells Plain Ward Councillor, Elton Jansen, says he and other sub council members are resolute that no Langa railway dwellers will be relocated to the area.

It follows the Housing Development Agency's application to rezone agricultural land into residential property.

Some residents at the Siyahlala Informal Settlement have denied deliberately building on the railway lines to be bumped up the housing waiting list.

Leaders there say they understand the inconvenience caused by the settlements, as they have also been waiting to be moved.

Meanwhile, a court bid by one civil society group seeking to cede certain powers to the City is underway at the Western Cape High Court.

The future of these residents will be made after public hearings and submissions have concluded.

* eNCA's Nobesuthu Hejana reports.