Setswetla residents unhappy with temporary housing units
ALEXANDRA - Setswetla residents are displeased with the temporary housing units made of corrugated iron which the city council is constructing for them.
The units are the City’s attempt to alleviate housing shortages in an area along the Jukskei River bank which said to be unsuitable for housing construction.
Requesting to remain anonymous, the residents said their existing shacks of mud, cement, wood and other materials were stronger than the corrugated units.
They said they had only agreed to 500 units being erected, but the number had increased to 800.
This resulted in the units being crammed together with no passageways, making them a fire risk with access by emergency management services impossible. Also, there was no space for washing lines or to put concrete at the bottom of the units to prevent rats from burrowing in.
They said the iron sheets were flimsy and the superstructure was made of weak planks which would not be able to withstand strong winds, heavy rain or a hailstorm. Other complaints were that the units leaked, window frames of some of the units had already been stolen, and the units could easily be broken into and property stolen.
Councillor Lilian Kekana said the objective of constructing the units was to provide temporary shelter. The units would be provided with electricity and proper sanitation while proper housing units were being considered for construction for those eligible in Linbro Park and other areas.
She added that the residents had agreed to the construction of the units, and the problems plaguing the project would be discussed between the department of housing and the contractor.
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