Pretoria - Relocating to a new place can be a daunting experience, but for residents of Bapsfontein informal settlement, what matters most is a conducive environment with basic services.
While most people were socialising with loved ones on Monday, about 3 000 families from Bapsfontein were moving to suitable, alternative land in Benoni.
The Bapsfontein informal settlement was declared a local state of disaster due to dolomite instability.
The alternative land was made available by the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
While the majority of people were being moved by the municipality, others had made their own private arrangements. The relocation process is expected to run till mid January
At the new residential area, families are provided with clean water, mobile toilets, high mast lights, basic health services and solid waste removal.
Prior to moving, residents signed consent forms agreeing to the move.
"We are happy with the way people have cooperated and are very hopeful that the process will be completed without any hiccups. We are also giving residents blankets and food parcels as we relocate them," said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
