Squatters in the Hangberg civic centre were evicted more than two months ago, but the facility was vandalised last month and it’s not clear when it might reopen.
Previously, Sentinel reported on the City awaiting permission from the courts for the evictions (“City moves to evict Hangberg civic occupants,” July 2022). Four families made the hall their home after they were left homeless by a fire in October 2018. It was supposed to be a temporary measure, but the families refused to budge.
Hangberg community activist Roscoe Jacobs is calling on the City to give answers regarding the facility’s closure and when it will be reopened to the public.
“The centre has been vacant for more than a month after several families affected by a fire five years ago were evicted from the facility. The City committed to having the facility refurbished and mayoral committee member for community services and health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross, informed me that funding was ring-fenced for this project, but, to date, we remain in the dark, and the City has been unresponsive,” he said.
“During the occupation by the fire victims, the facility was vandalised and the blame was parked with the occupants. However, after their eviction, and with City staff and security, thieves still managed to enter the building and steal wires, which left the facility and the Hangberg library without power and closed for a number of days.”
Ms Van der Ross said the City’s recreation and parks department was working to make the hall usable again.
“For the last four years, the facility was illegally occupied up until mid-February this year when the illegal occupants were officially removed from the facility. Cleaning and maintenance of the facility is performed daily in accordance with the City’s standard maintenance schedule,” Ms Van der Ross said.
Asked when the centre would be reopened to the public, she said the entire building had been vandalised and the roof needed repairs. “The City’s recreation and parks department will appoint an engineer who will then address the necessary repairs.”
The City confirmed that the centre had been vandalised last month.
“Yes, the department is aware of the vandalism which occurred last month at the facility, and electrical cables were cut in an attempt to steal cables. Electricity supply to the facility has been restored; however, the contractor is still busy with smaller items that need to be addressed,” Ms Van der Ross said.
Mr Jacobs complained that it had been several months since the evictions but they City had still not hired a contractor.
“No timeline means no transparency, and the City of Cape Town sees itself above reproach.”
Ms Van der Ross urged communities to help protect public facilities.
“Where there is no community involvement, vandalism is at a maximum,” she said, adding that the department would provide updates on maintenance work at the centre.
Residents can report vandalism and theft by calling 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 or email rp.enquiries@capetown.gov.za.
