WATCH: Government addresses Wentworth residents housing concerns

MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Sipho Nkosi, promised to address the lack of commitment from government to keep to their plans of building homes to curb the frustrations of crammed living.

Addressing residents of Ward 68 at the Austerville Community Hall in Wentworth, Nkosi appealed to those who have invaded the decanting units at Percy Johnson and Alabama roads to go back to their homes.

ALSO READ: WATCH: More families illegally move into decanting units in Wentworth

Empathetic towards the plight of impoverished families who illegally occupied the decanting units on July 28, the recently appointed MEC said he would make good on governments promises and vowed to fast track the completion of the housing projects which have been approved.

He added that 160 one bedroom flats will be demolished and 22 new flats will be built in that area, in place of the 160.

The balance of the homes will be built in the land at the area called the Arc, a temporary housing facility built by the Department of Human Settlements and Public Works.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Wentworth families illegally occupy temporary housing area

“The building plans have been done and are circulating for approval. In August, a service provider will be finalised and work will begin. We have identified a area which is earmarked for temporary units which will be used for decanting. A total of 201 homes will be built,” said Nkosi.

The invasion of the decanting units has highlighted the crammed and unhealthy conditions in which residents in Wentworth have been living under.

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