Cape Town, cops failing to keep order in Philippi East: Business owners

24 May 2018 - 14:05 By Timeslive
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Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East, Cape Town. File photo.
Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East, Cape Town. File photo.
Image: ESA ALEXANDER

An industrial node in Cape Town is becoming overwhelmed by crime‚ congestion‚ land invasions and pollution – forcing local business to consider leaving the area.

The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry said on Thursday that the situation in Philippi East appeared to be spiralling out of control.

“The situation appears to be out of control and neither the city of Cape Town nor the police have been able to restore any semblance of order to the area‚” said Janine Myburgh‚ president of the chamber.

Businesses in the area have complained about hijackings‚ shootings and break-ins becoming regular events. Protest actions and traffic gridlocks were hampering the delivery and collection of goods.

The situation appears to have created a rift with business owners‚ suggesting that the city is not listening to their grievances. Myburgh wanted to know why the city had allowed the situation to deteriorate so badly.

“If business withdraws many jobs will be lost and the situation will get even worse‚” she said.

Local business owners have complained to their councillors and to the city. It was suggested that they put a rent-a-cop scheme in place and pay for it themselves.

“Businesses pay very high rates to the city - double the normal residential rates - and we are not getting value for our money. This has happened in other areas as well and businesses have had to set up improvement districts and pay for the work that the city of Cape Town should be doing‚” said Myburgh.


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