Squatters protest over housing
MEC for Housing reneges on promise to address community.
For a second weekend in a row residents of Mahglangi informal settlement (Plots 8 and 10 on Progress Road) have taken to the streets to express their unhappiness about housing issues.
According to a senior Roodepoort Police official who was on the scene along with the Public Order Policing (Pop) unit, the protest action was due to residents believing they also are entitled to housing even though the government housing development on Albertina Sisulu Road is yet to be completed. To worsen matters the irate squatters were promised that Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Housing, Dan Bovu, would address them on Saturday, but he failed to turn up.
It is rumoured that Sebelo Ngcana, ANC councillor for the area, made promises regarding housing, which he was not at liberty to do.
Gert Niemand, DA ward councillor described the situation as “tragic” and “sad”.
“Bovu made promises to the residents two years ago, which he did not keep. So did Ngcana. Now the other residents in the area, whom the grievances do not concern, are being frustrated and inconvenienced while at the same time the protesters are damaging the infrastructure. I contacted the Housing Department and asked that the MEC keep his word, come and sort out this with the community,” said Niemand
Residents burnt tyres and blocked the road with rocks. Five people were arrested for public disorder.
Police and Pop, as well as West Suburbs Roodepoort Neighbourhood Watch (WSRNW) members have been on the scene since last night (31January). Although the situation has calmed residents are advised to use alternative routes as a precautionary measure.
Ngcana could not be reached for comment.name and cellphone number to 079 414 6709.Â
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Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
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