Local residents say they remain in the dark as the City started bussing in homeless people to Strandfontein Sports Ground yesterday.
About 1100 of the expected 2000 people from across the city arrived to be accommodated on the field as part of Coronavirus lockdown plans.
When the Daily Voice visited the site yesterday, five marquee tents had already been set up to accommodate 837 people, and a further five tents will be erected in the coming days to house an additional 762 people.
The tent where homeless people will be screened before being allocated a tent @DailyVoiceSA pic.twitter.com/p61MpAbM2J
— Robin-Lee Francke (@robin_francke) April 5, 2020
Mayco member for Community Services and Health Councillor Zahid Badroodien says the 240 000 square metre field is one of the biggest in the city.
He tried to allay security fears, saying: “We have a very strong presence of Law Enforcement, Metro Police, Disaster Risk Management and Health available.
“We are committed to safety for the community inside and outside with strict access to the premises.
“There is also extra private security as we have to measure off fencing, one around the marquees as well as the vibracrete wall.”
He said there would be one tap for every 25 people, however, potable water tankers would be used in the meantime until water test results are received today.
Four busses have arrived transporting homeless person to the Strandfontein Sporting Complex @DailyVoiceSA pic.twitter.com/iIGbV98ifu
— Robin-Lee Francke (@robin_francke) April 5, 2020
Each marquee would have designated toilets and showers. Mattresses, blankets and food would be provided daily.
There would also be a tent for Covid-19 screening.
All of this, however, was news to Strandfontein’s CPF, Ratepayers and Residents Association, who said in a statement: “The City appears to be making full use of the lockdown to purposely keep our community in the dark.
MOVING IN TIME: Strandfontein Sports Ground
“We have yet to be informed of the total number of persons to be housed on the complex.
“As representatives of the FMC, CPF and SRRA, we are pursuing all avenues with our limited resources along with assistance of a number of other organisations to ensure we gain necessary information confirming the City’s undertaking to secure health and safety of all concerned.
“The City has granted us permission for limited access onto the complex.”