Conditions continue to deteriorate at Madala
The City of Johannesburg has not responded to accusations that it has abandoned the residents of Madala Hostel who are said to live in sub-human conditions.
The DA Gauteng MPL and Shadow MEC for Human Settlements Mervyn Cirota has warned of a disaster waiting to happen at Madala Hostel in Alexandra as living conditions continue to worsen and residents are exposed to sub-human and unsanitary conditions.
Cirota said this during an oversight inspection of the hostel on November 21 in which he said his party discovered that the deterioration of the hostel structure and the living conditions had accelerated since their last visit six months ago.
“The wrenching stench of accumulated sewerage-blocked drains and heaps of rubbish indicates that the Gauteng Government and the City of Johannesburg have abandoned the residents.
“Furthermore, the hostel is in a serious state of disrepair, the windows are broken, and the ceiling on the one section that was destroyed by fire some years ago remains unattended and in a state of disrepair. It is disappointing that the temporary structures adjacent to the hostel are complete and still standing empty,” Cirota said.
“It is unacceptable that our residents are forced to live in these conditions while temporary containers to house them have been standing empty for the last five years,” Cirota added.
The City was handed comments of the DA soon after their oversight visit to the hostel and has not replied to Alex News and when contacted as a reminder, one of the City spokespersons said they were still waiting for comment from the relevant department.
Cirota said his party has demanded immediate intervention from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to rescue the situation and improve the living conditions at the hostel. The DA said it will also table questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to solicit plans that the provincial government has in place to improve the living conditions of what it said were neglected residents.
Cirota claimed his party has a plan to ensure access to dignified housing for all Gauteng residents desperate for housing and ensure that they have access to basic services.
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