As the deadline looms for the eviction of hundreds of homeless individuals from Cape Towns CBD, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis stands firm, asserting that the 'Safe Spaces' initiative is the citys sole sustainable solution.
'The most inhumane and undignified condition that homeless people live under is on the street. The Safe Spaces we provide are far from inhumane and undignified. In fact, they are facilities that all Capetonians can be extremely proud of,' Hill-Lewis said on Thursday when he addressed a full council sitting.
'I hear this argument that we [the City] should be providing a full home, an RDP home to every person that is homeless, [but that] is completely financially unfeasible for every city in the world, even San Francisco.'
According to News24 , Hill-Lewis acknowledged the need to enhance the dignity of homeless individuals but emphasised that providing each person with a separate apartment or home is not feasible.
'What we are doing is a massive step-up for dignity. Not only does it [Safe Spaces] provide dignified sanitation, they receive meals, they receive training, there is a doctor that visits, and a training programme that helps them access job training and readiness. This is all that this council provides.'
