Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) proposal to relocate illegal occupants to Macassar, has rubbed residents in the area up the wrong way – as the Central Line settlement saga continues.

According to ward councillor, Peter Helfrich, residents of Ward 109 were informed of the PRASA’s plan to acquire land in Macassar. This, in effort to address illegal occupation along the Central Line.

Tensions, however, are said to have escalated when intentions to relocate 2000 households to the area were seemingly finalised – and was disclosed on national television on March 24, 2024. Helfrich says this is contrary to previous assurances of transparency.

“Residents have voiced sentiments of betrayal, alleging that they were deceived by the PRASA and the [Housing Development Agency] HDA, as they were not apprised of these developments in accordance with the promised transparency. Residents says no further public meetings were convened to disclose the reconsideration of land parcels within Macassar.”

Macassar community reaction

In response to the announcement, Helfrich says residents have begun launching petitions and organizing protests against the proposed relocation.

Concerns have been raised regarding the strain on already inadequate services in Macassar. This includes policing, power supply, and social services – should the relocation proceed. Concerns which Helfrich says are being ignored by the PRASA and the HDA.

Amidst growing tensions, questions surrounding PRASA’s accountability and adherence to legal processes fuel residents’ opposition to the proposed relocation. Helfrich says PRASA had previously, allegedly, failed to adhere to City bylaws. This apparently relates to relocating Central Line households to the Stock Road site in December last year.

“Residents have voiced significant concerns regarding what they perceive as a pattern of disregard for legal procedures by the PRASA. [They] are troubled by the potential establishment of a precedent wherein the PRASA circumvents established processes.”

Relocation and Central Line recovery continue

At the Central Line Relocation Project Management Committee’s last meeting in March, it advised that the relocation of 5 129 households will take place in two phases. Further noting that several stations along the Central Line is being refurbished.