RESIDENTS of Joe Slovo in Milnerton in the Cape took part in a protest against the high rate of drugs and non-delivery of decent houses in the area.

Community leader Lazola Gungxe said about 50 residents held placards outside the Phoenix Tavern in Milnerton yesterday. No incidents of violence were reported.

He said many under-aged girls were being sold liquor at the tavern.

Gungxe, who is also chairman of the ANC Govan Mbeki branch in Milnerton, said: "Drugs are also sold at the tavern. Since November last year we have had several meetings with the local police but they have failed to resolve the problem."

He said residents were upset about not being consulted before the tavern was opened.

"We have a right to be consulted about projects and other operations in the community," he said.

According to residents a girl was allegedly raped at the tavern in March last year.

Residents have also complained about the non-delivery of houses in the area.

Gungxe said: "In 2008 the City of Cape Town planned to build about 1000 flats for the people in Milnerton but it later discontinued its plans without consulting residents.

"The city also failed to report to the community on its reasons for not continuing with the project. It is the community's right to know."

Gungxe also said many people were expected to take part in a protest march today against the high rate of drugs and non-delivery of housing.

"We will intensify our campaign in the next few days."

Mayoral committee member for human settlements, Ernest Sonnenberg, said from 2004 until 2009 the city and community had discussions about a mixed-use development along the Freedom Way corridor in Milnerton.

"The housing development never commenced due to policy constraints at the time. It was further hindered by land invasions of the site.

"In August 2008 a site earmarked for the development of housing in the same community was invaded and numerous public meetings with the leadership were held to inform the community of the implications of this invasion, as well as the invasion of the Freedom Way corridor."

Sonnenberg said no project could be implemented until the people occupying the land vacated the site, which they had refused to do.

"Construction cannot take place on occupied land and there is still no alternative land or projects to relocate them to.

"Both projects have been cancelled and have been communicated consistently up until now at public meetings, ward forum meetings, subcouncil meetings and recently in development forum meetings, with ward councillor Joy McCarthy."

Police spokesman Frederick van Wyk said according to their crime administrative system, no record of a rape incident was reported in March last year at Phoenix Tavern.

Van Wyk said they had been conducting compliance inspections in the area. He said the tavern had recently applied for an extension of hours to trade. He said the community was consulted and a report pertaining to the non-compliance of closing hours was compiled and forwarded to the Western Cape Liquor Board.