PAARL - Mbekweni small-scale farmers say that the Drakenstein Municipality is not engaging them on their plans for them and their livestock.
Municipality spokesperson, Seraj Johaar, says plans are afoot to develop the land on which the farmers occupy for housing. They say, however, there are no immediate plans to evict the over 100 farmers yet.
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They do have plans, however, to remove additional structures on the land that they say is for health reasons.
An estimated 200 pigs died from swine flu.
Farmer Norman Mqokolo says that the structures the municipality wants to remove are where the pigs are quarantined so that they do not infect other pigs.
Farmers have occupied the land since 2002 which the municipality was earmarked for housing, a school and health facility. Something that the farmers are not opposed to.
Vusimuzi April says he is not opposed to moving, however, says the municipality should move them where it is conducive for their livestock.
"Our municipality did not support the farmers who left previously," says farmer Sakhele Mcimbi.
They had to return to Mbekweni due to a lack of water and food for their livestock.
"Yes, the land is there, but we need water, we need fencing," says Mcimbi.
Johaar says plans are underway for find an amicable solution for the farmers.