DA councillors Gerry Holtzhauzen and Sieg Paul accompanied DA Shadow MEC for Informal Settlements Mervyn Citrota to problematic housing areas in the Heidelberg district on March 2.
Obed Nkosi, Shalimar Ridge and the municipal housing in Rensburg were visited.
Concerns at Obed Nkosi and Shalimar Ridge stems from the state of the housing, infrastructure, illegal occupation, lack of basic services such as electricity, water, and sanitation.
Other concerns revolve around maintenance, schools, crime, law enforcement, cleanliness, and a safe place for children to play.
Stormwater pipes lying around and other hazards also pose a danger to the community.
Most of the electrical connections at the housing locations are illegal connections.
There are reports that the people residing at the above-mentioned dwellings have been bussed from outside the province to occupy the homes illegally.
At Obed Nkosi and Shalimar Ridge, all the dwellings have satellite dishes attached to the units. Residents in the area are concerned as to what Lesedi Local Municipality is doing about the issue, as the majority of the residents are unemployed and do not pay anything towards basic municipal accounts.
At the municipal flats in Rensburg, the residents do pay an amount to occupy the units. However, if there are any damages incurred in the dwelling the residents need to pay it out of their own pocket.
Some of the dwellings have not been repaired in years and the issues are being reported but to no avail. There are also multiple units that have not been occupied for years.
“I am here to see, look, listen and learn to what is wrong and hear the communities complaints,” said Citrota.
“I personally will raise the issues with the Department of Human Settlements to find out what is the plan of action.”
Concerned residents mentioned that people are moving into the houses on a daily basis while crime is rife.
“I want to find out what the Gauteng government is planning to improve the housing situation,” said Citrota.
