The De Waterkant Civic Association (DWCA) has raised concerns over the City of Cape Town’s latest Safe Space development on Ebenezer Road in Green Point.
Spider Clark, chairperson of the DWCA, says they do not object but would like clarification on the operation plans and Law Enforcement allocation in relation to the Safe Space.
“We want to know about the operation plans, how the Safe Space would operate as we felt the original report was light and limiting in terms of the operational plans, how it will operate and who is operating it we would like to know,” said Mr Clark.
“We also want to know about the Law Enforcement resources and allocation that will ensure law and order in this precinct as the Safe Space will welcome 300 people. The Law Enforcement is a City responsibility and what are they going to do to ensure that this precinct improves once the Safe Space opens. So it’s not objections per say but we want clarification on how this will operate,” he said.
Mr Clark says they embrace the Safe Space concept as homelessness is unsustainable and the action the City is taking is essential.
“We trust the City for the plans they put in place but we want to do the checks and balances. We do know that there needs to be intervention and action and a plan and if this is the plan for now then we would like clarification on these two points,” he said.
Mr Clark is listed as an objector in the minutes of the Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT) meeting on July 4, however, the City verified that the application for land use was allowed and that the decision is currently in the appeal process.
The minutes state that the MPT approved the application for the reasons set out in the planner’s report and noted the following:
“As indicated in the conditions of approval, due consideration will be given to the future management plan, operational programmes, monitoring and security of the social care facility in the interest of the homeless beneficiaries and the broader public.
“That an operational management plan, which provides for performance monitoring and safety and security measures, be developed for this safe space facility by the applicant and submitted to the authorised official after consultation with the Director: Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department.”
According to information on the City’s website, the proposed 300-bed Safe Space is located on a portion of a City roads depot under the fly-over bridge on Ebenezer Road.
The planning application for the facility was open for public comment until May 8.
“City Safe Spaces offer dignified transitional shelter to help people off the streets, coupled with programmes to promote reintegration into society, or reunification with family. Addiction treatment, referrals for psychiatric treatment, personal development planning and employment opportunities are also on offer,” the City stated.
The City operates two Safe Spaces at Culemborg in the city centre, which offers 480 shelter beds.
