The City of Cape Town has assessed the damage caused by the recent petrol bombing and vandalism of its Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Incremental Development Area (IDA).

An assessment was made of the 20 housing units razed by the petrol bombing incidents and the vandalism of more than 100 units between 25 and 27 February 2016.

“It is not certain when repairs will take place, but it is estimated that the repairs to the units that can be repaired will take at least a month to complete,” explains Benedicta van Minnen, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements.

“The situation is incredibly frustrating and it must be borne in mind that these units have been earmarked for vulnerable beneficiaries who are flood victims displaced by past flooding and also persons who are perpetually affected by flooding as they reside in flood-prone areas.

“Our vision for this development, which comprises 177 units, is to increase service delivery dramatically with the provision of 1:1 services to the beneficiaries.

“Most of the beneficiaries have been identified but throughout its history the project has been characterised by extreme vandalism and incidents of violence.

“The latest incidents of violence and vandalism have now unfortunately delayed the completion of the project for an undetermined time. This is to the severe detriment of our beneficiaries. We simply cannot tolerate this situation and urge the community to work with us so that we can see the successful completion of this project,” she notes.

This criminal action came in retaliation after the City acted to prevent the illegal occupation of the units by persons who are not beneficiaries of these units.