Diepsloot down in the dumps

Fourways Review visited Diepsloot with councillor Sean Kreusch to investigate the well-being of the informal settlement after the heavy rainstorms; they are mostly challenged with water and electricity.

According to Kreusch, Diepsloot is in a cleaner state than he had expected it to be after the heavy rains, but there are some social issues that need to be addressed immediately.

Diepsloot has been without any running water for two days and community leaders are worried about their children’s well-being and cleanliness, explained Lucas Hlongwane, a concerned community member and leader.

Hlongwane’s concern is that the water went off without any notice or warning and there is no indication when they will have water again or why it has gone off.

David Mokgalaka, a resident said, “The poverty is clear to the eye. This Diepsloot community is not equipped for human life. Crime is too much at night because we don’t have street lights that work and nothing is being done about it. We also can’t live without running water and our bathroom stalls are in a terrible state already. Imagine after three days without water.”

Fourways Review asked the residents what they needed most as a community.

“We are in dire need of domestic utilities like toilet paper. We literally don’t have the money to buy the most basic needs. We need things like toothbrushes, diapers for our children, matches, pillows for our heads, soap and clothes,” said Hlongwane.

The Diepsloot community cries out to Fourways and other communities to help them access their most basic needs in difficult financial times.

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