“We were better off at Snakepark” : Community

SHARPEVILLE.- The members of the community that was moved from Snakepark, Boipatong, to Phase 3, Thsepiso, in Sharpeville believe that the conditions of the ‘new’ area are still the same as the ones where they come from.
This community was moved from Snakespark last August with a hope of better life in their new area.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, the community members said that they were told relocate from Snakepark because the area was a wetland and water was all over their yards and house when it was raining.
However, the community told Sedibeng Ster that their current place is still the same as where they come from and that the Emfuleni Local Muunicipality (ELM) should have have left them at Snakepark.
Residents, Nomsa Masweu and Jacob Masimong told Sedibeng Ster that in the new area when it is raining there is water all over, and that with summer around the corner, they are worried.
They also told Sedibeng Ster that they moved to the area with a hope of better life but that this is not the case.
“We are very disappointed because this area is still the same as where we come from. There is no electricity and the water in that big container they have supplied us with is finished. We were told that the contract of the person who refills it is over. It is almost two weeks now that we are without water and we asked community members to contribute money to have at least two taps that we will install ourselves. We know this is illegal but our children will not go to school with dirty uniform. It is really a frustrating asituation. We were dumped at the area that has no infrastructure and now they have moved some of us to Tshepiso Phase 4 which has similar conditions,” they told Sedibeng Ster.
Sedibeng Ster spoke to some of the community members who also believed that Snakepark is not different with where they are staying now.
“This place is worse than where we come from,” said Busisiwe Magazi.
The community said the person who authorized for them to be moved here must be held accountable.
Sedibeng Ster could not get comment from relevant officials at ELM at the time of going to print.