One of these is a blocks of flats in Riverpark which residents said were abandoned before completion in 2009. The flats said to have been constructed to accommodate participants of the Football for Hope programme which coincided with the 2010 World Cup were abandoned almost close to completion. It is alleged the work stopped after the contractor was liquidated and since then there has not been any activity on site except for security guards manning the place.
Residents of Riverpark and Extension 10 said they had been informed by the city council that the flats were to be allocated to those in the housing waiting list after the World Cup, but no word has been forthcoming since the abandonment. Alexandra resident, Steve Mayisa said the buildings could have significantly reduced the numbers of people in desperate need for housing rather than letting them deteriorate.
Several months ago Riverpark residents also raised the same matter as part of their objection to a proposed housing development initiative in their area. They they said this development may also not be completed and could affect their property values.
The site of the flats in Riverpark is overgrown with grass and weeds. “It will be at a huge cost to the council to restart construction as part of the building may be condemned and demolished causing further delay and disadvantage to communities in desperate need for housing,” Mayisa said referring to the site.
The security guards on site said they had strict orders not to let anyone into the fenced area for a closer view of the building.
Councillor Mokgadi Hadebe was unreachable for comment, but her colleague Monde Mbingeleli said councillors had proposed that the city council should take over and complete the building which were on government property. Mbingeleli was optimistic for a positive feedback in the interest of alleviating the housing demand.
