Despite promises by KwaDukuza municipality to help 40 Shaka’s Head residents who have been living in tin shacks for four years, it has been solely through the efforts of a private individual that the 40 residents have received any aid.
Tamsyn Ferreira from Alifurn Outdoor Living has raised R25 000 to get an ablution container for the residents of Shaka’s Head who live in tin houses next to RA Padayachee Primary School.
They have had no water, electricity or toilets since they were relocated to the “temporary” houses after their shacks were destroyed in a fire four years ago.
Now thanks to Ferreira’s effort to raise funds, the community will have a container fitted with four toilets and two showers, two hand wash basins and four windows, skylights and vents.
“We have managed to get a company in Verulam that has offered to sell a container to us with discount,” said Ferreira.
According to Ferreira the price for the container is R82 000 but it will be sold to them for R35 000, which means she stills needs to raise R10 000 to meet the price.
“Since we are in a water crisis, JoJo tanks will be a better option for the people, because we will be able to control the amount of water used and they will also have the responsibility to save water,” said Ferreira.
Six months ago the KwaDukuza municipality said the situation was temporary and that they will try to provide an alternative.
In May KwaDukuza disaster management officer Tarzan Naicker said that the municipality is waiting for Ferreira to present what she has for the community, then they would take over. However it would appear that they have done nothing.
