Ndifuna Ukwazi hopes govt will repair derelict Irene Grootboom building

CAPE TOWN - Housing advocates Ndifuna Ukwazi is hoping government will repair the derelict Irene Grootboom building and allow the residents to live there in a dignified manner.

Judgment was reserved in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday, after the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) brought an urgent application against occupants living in the building at 104 Darling Street in Cape Town.

The department has turned to the court to evict about 40 families from the property after the site was deemed unsafe for occupation.

The DPWI initially sought an urgent eviction order for all residents of Irene Grootboom House, citing unverified structural defects in a dilapidated building.

The department changed its request, seeking only an interim eviction for those on a portion of the property.

It also sought a further postponement for the eviction of the remaining residents.

Ndifuna Ukwazi's political organiser, Lorenzo Johnson, said the residents feel positive after hearing arguments from both sides in court.

"The desired outcome for us is that we see the matter get dismissed as an urgent application."

Johnson said Ndifuna Ukwazi hopes the government will decide to revamp the building to continue housing the occupants.