A conflict erupted between residents and law enforcement, as well as private security guards, in Tuus River after four families occupied municipal land, claiming they needed homes.
Community activist and local preacher Brendan Jafta reported that the four families occupied the plot on Thursday, September 24th, 'due to disappointment after many years waiting on the housing list.' Jafta emphasized that these families were living in difficult conditions, and some of their children were homeless. He stated that the municipality had let them down, leading them to occupy the land and build their own homes.
Videos circulating online show clashes between municipal law enforcement officers and private security with residents following attempts to demolish their structures.
The four families who occupied municipal land in Tuus River stated they will not leave the territory until alternative housing is provided to them.
Jafta also claims that officials visit the site daily since the occupation, intimidating the families. He noted that they come at night, using bright flares and disturbing the residents' sleep. Jafta stated that he demanded a court order and warned that demolishing the buildings without such an order was unacceptable.
One of the residents, François Schwartz, confirmed that they will not leave the land. He said: 'If they don't want us on this land, they must provide us with alternative housing. We have been asking for homes for years. I have lived in Tuus River for 52 years. This municipality has let us down.'
Municipality forced to resume process
Briddleville Municipality Manager David McThomas called the occupation illegal in a video message. He expressed serious concern over this unlawful occupation of municipal land, as the plot is designated for the construction of 900 residential units. McThomas warned that allowing the illegal occupation would inevitably have a negative impact on any future development.
In the same video message, Housing Settlement Manager Symphive Maeki reported that the municipality is in the process of completing the environmental impact assessment for the housing project. McThomas clarified that the municipality had to restart the process after the previous service provider for the environmental review contract ended. He expressed hope to complete the study in the current fiscal period and begin connecting utilities for the housing project.
He urged residents not to let the land invasion derail the planned housing construction. McThomas stressed that it is crucial for the residents of Tuus River to take this information seriously, as the project has been developed for years and should not be harmed by illegal land seizures at this stage.