LIMPOPO – MASHAU villagers in Elim are fuming after 70 RDP houses were abandoned by the contractor 12 years ago.
The project, which was under the Makhado Municipality, was left incomplete in 2002.
Many of the houses do not have doors, roofs and windows. Some families were just left with piles of bricks and foundations.
Fed-up beneficiaries of the RDP houses lodged complaints with the department of cooperative government, human settlements and traditional affairs (Coghsta), but nothing was done.
Many of the beneficiaries like Suzan Chauke claimed they could not complete the houses using their own money, citing poverty and unemployment.
Villagers in Midoroni near Louis Trichardt are also angered by the state of their houses.
Paulos Fhetani (66) said he had given up on receiving assistance.
“If I had a job, I would have already completed the house myself. I stay in a two-roomed shack which is collapsing and poses a danger, especially during rainy seasons. The poorly built RDP house, has finally collapsed due to heavy rains,” said Fhetani.
Mike Mpilo stays in a two-roomed shack with his wife and seven young children.
He said he was happy when the contractor prepared the foundation, but that joy soon faded away. He said the contractors delivered building material for two years and later came to collect it without saying anything to him.
DA councillor Masilo Maphashe described the situation as fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
He said the ANC-led government should take responsibility for failing to monitor the project.
Coghsta spokesperson, Motupa Selomo said he was not aware of those houses, but said the problem would be resolved soon.
