By Staff Reporter
The Western Cape High Court has granted the City of Cape Town an urgent interdict against anyone attempting to delay the MyCiTi bus service construction project along AZ Berman Drive in Mitchell’s Plain.
The MMC for Urban Mobility, Ron Quintas, said: “We are relieved to say that our urgent application has been heard and granted.”
The project has been delayed since 28 February, when individuals associated with five so-called development and business forums in the Mitchell’s Plain area forced the contractor off the site. Described as extortionists, they were demanding money to allow the project to continue.
The contractor has already lost at least 13 working days.
“We are liaising with the contractor who is taking the necessary steps to resume work on site as soon as possible,” said Quintas. “I want to make it clear that any person who contravenes this interdict will be arrested and prosecuted.
“The City of Cape Town will not succumb to threats or attempts to extort money from us or our contractors. We are committed to delivering services to Capetonians and will do whatever is necessary to ensure our infrastructure projects remain on course.”
The city is busy with construction work for the roll-out of the MyCiTi bus service. One of the key MyCiTi bus routes will operate along AZ Berman Drive.
The drive will be widened between the intersection with the R300 and Wespoort Drive to accommodate two dedicated bus lanes.
A resident speaking anonymously said he quit his business after extortionists forced him to pay them.
“I was selling alcohol, and they arrived and demanded that I give them R700 on the 15th day of each month,” he said. “I did that for two months and noticed that the money I was giving them was the little profit I was making so I stopped selling.”
But stopping didn’t free him from the gangsters. They told him they would provide stock and he would work for them.
“I ended up moving from Cape Town because I couldn’t continue being their slave. I sold alcohol for them after I had stopped selling mine, so I don’t believe the extortion will ever end,” said the resident.
Pictured above: A MyCiTi bus in Cape Town.
Image source: MyCiTi
