Blikkiesdorp Documentary Launch
A conference is being held by ODAC today, the 23rd, at the Townhouse Hotel titled: “Alternative accommodation” in South African constitutional law – Does Blikkiesdorp meet the standard?” Symphony Way Temporary Relocation Area, otherwise knows as Blikkiesdorp, was built in 2008 by the City of Cape Town with the goal to fulfil the City’s constitutional obligation to provide adequate accommodation in the case of evictions or emergencies and to facilitate informal settlements upgrading.
The structures are called Bliks by local resident. Is what local residents call ‘a blik’ acceptable alternative accommodation? The units in Blikkiesdorp are built up in a block structure of 18 blocks, which are separated by dirt roads. Most units are prefabricated steel framed units complete with internal thermal insulation. The material is not only very easy to break into, which contributes to the already high crime rate, but it also lacks insulation: Blikkiesdorp is known among the residents to be either extremely hot or extremely cold. Is that acceptable?
We will be using this event as an opportunity to launch a short documentary documenting the work over the last year to access information on the future of Blikkiesdorp at 4pm today. We will share this here soon!