The residents are claiming that the entity is not providing any basic services to their small impoverished community.
This informal settlement is a stone’s throw away from the newly-constructed Newtown Junction Mall, which is the first completed phase in a R1.3-billion property investment in the CBD.
On the day the mall was officially opened, Gauteng Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile commended the part big business was playing in encouraging investment in economic and social infrastructure. Maile said he was happy with the continued redevelopment of the inner city, including Newtown.
However, just a few metres from the mall, the small destitute Bekezela community of about 30 people allege they don’t receive any basic human requirements such as water, electricity and ablution facilities. The stench in the area is unbearable as there are no toilets, and the residents use a small nearby open space to relieve themselves.
Most of the women who live there used to sleep on the pavement before they established the settlement. Many who spoke to this journalist revealed that they earned money from prostitution. One of the women, a mother of four, Zandile Ntuli (31) said the government had abandoned them as there were no services provided to them.
“We are really struggling here, we don’t have water, no electricity and no toilets,” said Ntuli.
“We’re worried about the cold weather in winter, we have babies and the City has abandoned us.”
Another resident, Xolisile Ngobese said the area was not safe for their children. “We vote, but we still live in this squalor,” she said.
Since 27 March this year, this publication has made numerous attempts to get comment from the City about its lack of assistance to this community, but it has consistently failed to respond.
q The Bill of Rights Chapter 2 which is a cornerstone of democracy in South Africa, stipulates that everyone has the right (a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and (b) to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that (i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation; (ii) promote conservation; and (iii) secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.
Do you think the city council is doing enough to assist people who live in shacks? Comment below, and let us know your thoughts.
