Ward councillor slams govt over Alex unrest
Buang Jones of the Human Rights Commission said the EFF could be asked to answer to allegations that it 'agitates' people to occupy land in the area.
Protesters in Alexandra township in Johannesburg shut down the township over lack of service delivery, 3 April 2019. Roads were barricaded and blocked with burning tyres, as hundreds marched demanding better basic services. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark
An Alexandra ward councillor expressed his frustration with the department of human settlements for not being completely honest about the condition of their township.
This comes after the department shared its explanations with the South African Human Right Commission (SAHRC) on the last day of the Alexandra inquiry yesterday.
The inquiry was set up in collaboration with the public protector’s office to investigate the issues leading up the Alexandra “shutdown” protests in April ahead of the 2019 elections.
Human settlements deputy director-general, Neville Chaney, said “wards are frustrated that service delivery concerns raised with ward councillors are not followed through to completion nor feedback provided”.
“Service delivery complaints are reportedly not addressed, Pikitup is reportedly not collecting waste, leaving the area filthy.
“A clear and comprehensive local precinct administration, management and service operational plan must be adopted and implemented by the municipality. Such a plan must be in consultation with residents to ensure their support and participation.”
Chaney added the need for engagement and mobilisation of non-state entities to invest in the township. He said one of the topical issues currently faced in Alexandra was land invasions.
Joining him on the panel was outgoing Gauteng human settlements MEC, Uhuru Moiloa, who also spoke about the reconstruction of Alexandra.
He referred to “other political parties” that encourage and “agitate” people to occupy land whenever they want to.
“I have said that I consider that kind of call as an abuse of human rights because you are driving people to occupy the land in an urban setting illegally. What are the future consequences of uncontrolled sanitation and the health of the people you have put on the land?”
Responding to his statement, the HRC’s Gauteng manager Buang Jones said he would consider inviting the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in their next inquiry on the matter to get their side of the story.
Tefo Raphadu, an Alexandra ward councillor, said he felt it was clear the local and provincial governments were not working “hand-in-glove” as they claimed and that “us community members have lived the experience and what they were talking about [in the inquiry] is not true”.
He said the statements presented by the provincial government were a clear indication that they were oblivious to the issues faced in Alexandra and the tears of the people, especially where land invasions and migration was concerned.
“Provincial government and the city must jack up their act and make sure housing provisions are being made in terms of rental stock and RDP housing for those who qualify.
“The mushrooming of illegal structures and land invasions are created by people who are making money out of the plight of the people. So that is the challenge.”
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