“People are willing to pay for electricity and sewage. They are willing to pay for Nutec structures to be put up on their plots,” he said.
They did not want a “squatter camp”, he said, adding that a 9m x 9m plot was all that was needed for a 3m x 6m home with some space for fencing.
One could easily find 400 families in the area in need of housing added Mr Ogle.
The small crowd of backyarders, some with placards demanding housing, applauded Mr Thorpe. But shortly after the backyarders made their move the next day, the City’s anti-land invasion unit and the Brooklyn and Ysterplaat Neighbourhood Watch (BYNW) arrived and quickly sent them packing.
Air Force Base Ysterplaat security personnel also monitored the situation. Mr Ah-Sing said only a small section of the field was City owned; the rest belonged to Province.
“We are aware that they will continue with their efforts, but, rest assured, the City of Cape has availed the necessary resources and is on standby,” he said.
The field previously had two security guards on site 24/7; now it has eight. It was a temporary measure until calm was restored, said Mr Ah-Sing.
He thanked residents for alerting him when the land grab started as well as the neighbourhood watch for its help.
“Other open areas in the ward are being monitored as well,” he said.
Stylemode: Get the look