The standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) has expressed its concern over the lack of progress in the implementation of a significant resettlement protocol.
The protocol aims to facilitate the relocation of communities residing between the Philippi and Langa railway reserve, a crucial step in enabling train access to the communities of Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha in Cape Town.
According to the committee’s media officer Faith Ndenze, signatories to the implementation protocol, including the departments of transport, human settlements, and public works and infrastructure, as well as various provincial and municipal entities, have been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the successful execution of the resettlement efforts.
However, Scopa’s recent meeting with concerned parties revealed that no tangible progress had been made.
Ndenze said: “Scopa today met with Prasa, HDA, the City of Cape Town municipality, and the national departments concerned to receive an update on the progress achieved but was disappointed to hear about the failure of all the parties involved to make any progress on the implementation protocol.
“Instead of providing the committee with a progress report, the parties started negotiations and planning on how to work at today’s meeting.
“The committee has observed that there is a lack of collaboration and compliance with the protocol among the involved parties in executing it.
“This has led to a lack of progress and has a bearing on Prasa’s adherence to the third extension of the executive order on the eviction of the affected communities.”
Recognising the gravity of the situation, Scopa has called upon the signatories to develop a roadmap that aligns with legal requirements and ensures the prompt execution of the resettlement work.
The committee stressed the urgent need for collaboration, compliance, and transparent reporting to expedite the process and mitigate the adverse impact on the affected communities.
“The committee has asked the involved parties to develop a roadmap that adheres to the law and ensures that the work is done. The committee has tentatively proposed to hold its next meeting on this matter on Thursday, 27 July 2023,” Ndenze said.
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