The multimillion-rand Salvokop Precinct Development Project, aimed at constructing four government buildings in the City of Tshwane, is at risk of being delayed due to resistance from Baghdad informal settlement residents, who are refusing to vacate the land earmarked for a new road.

On Friday, the disgruntled residents marched to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, where they called on the government to suspend the project until they receive clarity on the relocation plan.

The new road is expected to connect the Kgosi Mampuru Prison with the Salvokop Precinct.

Residents are objecting to the on-site construction of shack structures, which are intended to temporarily house them, claiming they were not consulted about their possible relocation.

Christina Motshwari, one of the affected residents, expressed her frustration, saying: "We demand that the Department of Public Works explains the situation to us. We're being told it's temporary accommodation, but we refuse to be moved from one shack to another. We want to be relocated to a decent, permanent place, preferably close to town, where we can access job opportunities."

EFF PR councillor Odwa Notununu, who led the march, said: “These people deserve dignified homes and not those things that were built for them.”

He claimed the relocation process was carried out without proper consultation with residents.

“We woke up one day and we saw them putting a camp there. Those shacks are so close to each other and if one shack catches fire, all the people are dead,” he said.

He said the temporary shacks provided by the government lack windows, saying residents are insisting on being relocated to accommodation that has windows.

Some residents also expressed concerns that the temporary shacks are too close to the road construction site, posing serious health risks due to dust, noise and potential accidents.

EFF councillor Benjamin Mathebula said: “When the road is being constructed and a person is living five metres away from there and there is dust in the air; it is a health hazard. We want them to give us a detailed relocation plan. They must stop the project for now until this issue is resolved,” he said.

The Department of Public Works has indicated that it will provide an update on its next course of action on Monday, following the refusal of residents to relocate and make way for the development project.

Two years ago, former department Minister Sihle Zikalala said the project was envisaged to be completed in 2025, with an estimated cost of R18 billion to develop 524,000 square meters of land, accommodating four additional government head offices.

The buildings currently under construction will serve as the new headquarters for several government departments, including the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Social Development, and the Justice and Correctional Services department.

Statistics South Africa has already relocated to its newly completed building within the precinct.

The location was strategically chosen due to its proximity to a key transport hub, offering multiple transportation modes that seamlessly connect Salvokop to the Pretoria CBD.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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