Dear Editor,

Some time in December 2008 and January 2009 the section of land north of the railway embankment in Turkeyen was advertised for sale by NICIL. This section of land stretches from Liliendaal to UG road and from the railway embankment to the Rupert Craig Highway. However, it must be noted that there are several squatters occupying this land. Will these squatters be removed early or will we see another Lamaha Street debacle? Is the government, at the last minute going to provide land, compensation and even transportation to have these persons removed when the new owners of the land arrive?

Editor, squatting is not a pretty sight. Those who live in the vicinity of the squatters along the Turkeyen railway embankment can testify to the experiences of smelly pit latrines, inappropriate use of reserves, and loud music emanating from these illegal dwellers. There are no electrical or water connections to these structures, but yet each one has a TV antenna and entertainment from music systems abound. One particular resident plays music so loudly that it could be heard from a block away. Music is played all day and even all night.

I am of the opinion that squatters have it good in this country. They occupy as much land as they can; they freely make connections to all neighbouring services, and they receive all possible assistance from the government because of their “impoverished” state. As a taxpayer and owner of a legitimate piece of land, I have to pay all my rates, I have to observe all of the country’s by-laws and still endure the inconvenience of squatters.

Yours faithfully,
Z. Gafoor