River cottages must go

BHISHO plans to get an eviction order to demolish dozens of holiday cottages that have been in existence at the Fish River mouth for more than 50 years, angering homeowners.

Although some have resigned themselves to losing their shacks, others say they will fight to prevent the 47 houses being flattened.

"It is very unfair. We have been going there for generations," East London businessman Roy Sharrock said. "I will chain myself to my house. We are going to fight to the death."

Although the Public Works Department said in February that the cottages had to be demolished, things went quiet when homeowners dug in their heels and did nothing.

But their hopes were dashed when Bhisho Public Works spokesman Sisanda George said last week that at a recent meeting with the Environmental Affairs Department and the Ndlambe Municipality it had been resolved to get an eviction order.

"The land is a protected area. The demolition will go ahead," George said. – David Macgregor