Relocation of more than 880 families from Cape Town central railway line completed

The article discusses the successful completion of the relocation of over 880 families from the Cape Town central railway line, particularly those who had illegally occupied the railway reserve in Philippi and Nyanga. The families were residing in shacks near the Stock Road train station in Philippi East, which was situated on land owned by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa). This relocation marks a crucial step for Prasa to recover infrastructure and reinstate train services along the Central Line, which had faced disruptions due to theft and vandalism, leading to a partial clearing of the line up to Nyanga station.

The people had initially settled on the railway line during the Covid lockdown in 2020, facing challenges in affording rent as backyarders. The relocation process began in December and is part of a broader plan to reinstate the remaining section of the line, extending to Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha. While the City of Cape Town has provided basic services such as water and portable toilets at the temporary Stock Road site, residents have expressed concerns about the insufficient number of toilets and an unreliable water supply. Some residents feel neglected and claim they have been "dumped" at the new location without adequate care and attention.

Photo credit: Sandiso Phaliso

Abstract based directly on source.