More than 10,000 tenants living in Soweto Zones C and D in Kibera have been given 13 days to move out or face eviction.
In a notice issued by the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Public Development, residents have been asked to vacate the area by April 23. The government says clearing of the site will begin the following day.
The notice, which has already been disseminated to local administrators in Lang’ata, is part of the urban upgrading exercise taking place. It is being asserted that the notice is intended to prepare the grounds for the development of new housing projects in the area.
As per the government authorities, the residents who have been affected by the notice shall be preferred during the completion of new affordable housing units. It intends to demolish informal settlements and construct modern apartment complexes in the region.
Zone C and Zone D are some of the most densely populated regions of Kibera. Statistics from previous housing projects indicate that these zones accommodate thousands of people residing in hundreds of small structures. These residents primarily survive on small business operations and robust community relations.
It is anticipated that the new housing units shall provide various facilities to the residents, including clean water, electrical connections, waste disposal facilities and other amenities. In addition, there would be certain social infrastructure components, such as the establishment of early childhood centers and recreational parks.
The redevelopment program intends to construct up to 25,000 housing units in Kibera. Previous phases of the redevelopment project, including Zone B, are nearly completed.
Yet again, it seems that this recent eviction letter might be worrisome for the people, especially since the way that they would move will be beneficial for everyone.
