CoCT defends decision to evict people illegally occupying Green Point tennis courts

Source: EWN Traffic
Author: Ntuthuzelo Nene

CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town has defended its decision to evict people illegally occupying land, saying although unpleasant, the move was necessary.

People living along the Green Point tennis courts were given until Wednesday to move voluntarily or face eviction.

This follows a court order issued by the Western Cape High Court last year, granting the city a final eviction order for people occupying the tennis courts.

The city said that some of them had accepted to be taken to shelters, while others refuse to move.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said that the eviction would take place in the coming days as a last resort for those who refused the support.

"If they have arranged their own private accommodation, we will give them free transport for themselves and for their personal belongings to that accommodation. For those who want transport to the safe spaces, we will do the same. For those who want storage of their goods and belongings, we will also offer some storage space."