Cape Town Acquires Marikana Land to Address Housing and Service Delivery Woes

After a prolonged struggle and legal battles, the City of Cape Town has made a significant move by purchasing the Marikana land in Philippi East, where thousands of families have formed an informal settlement. The acquisition of the property, first occupied over a decade ago, offers a glimmer of hope for more than 100,000 residents who are currently living without formal services. Since a 2017 court ruling mandated the municipality to procure the land, the community has been awaiting action that could lead to the provision of basic necessities such as electricity and water.

Marikana's growth from 60,000 residents and 12,000 households in 2015 to over 100,000 people today underlines the urgent need for formalized infrastructure and housing solutions. The informal settlement's energy requirements have been a significant concern, with many households resorting to dangerous illegal electrical connections. Eskom's recent crackdown on these connections has reiterated the necessity for a safe and legal power supply.

Despite Eskom's efforts to disconnect illegal wiring last week, residents resorted to re-establishing their makeshift connections, a testament to their dire need for power. A clandestine industry has emerged, with individuals like the self-proclaimed electrician interviewed by GroundUp charging fees to maintain these unauthorized links to the electricity grid. However, these illicit activities carry substantial risks, with cables strewn across the settlement posing hazard to the community.

The City of Cape Town, represented by mayoral committee member for human settlements Carl Pophaim, acknowledges the complexity and timeframe needed for the upgrade. With the recent commenced compulsory feasibility studies, the city is laying the groundwork for future development, which could take up to 24 months before physical progress is seen. Community leader Loyiso Nqitiza echoes the residents' sentiment that developments cannot come soon enough.

While the plans for Marikana's development remain contingent on the outcomes of feasibility studies and public participation, the land purchase is a crucial first step. Despite previous delays, this action sets the wheels in motion for improving the living conditions of one of Cape Town's most densely populated and under-resourced communities.