‘We dont want your empty promises’
Housing problem that has caused racism to rear its ugly face in the informal settlement.
Last Sunday residents of Kathrada Park had a standoff with Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) as the latter wanted to remove all the shacks that have been constructed on land that is meant to be for Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) development
Mimi Malindi said, “I have been living in Kathrada Park for the past 12 years and I was promised by the City of Joburg that I would receive one of the RDP houses.
“We had to go register in 2002 to be allowed a house in the Kathrada Park area.”
“The operation of removal of squatters was headed by JMPD this past Sunday.
“The environment turned hostile when residents started stoning passing vehicles, te South African Police Service also sent policemen to bring calm to the area, said Edna Mamanyane JMPD communication officer.
Tsepo Mhlongo, Shadow Member of the Mayoral Committee for Housing in the City of Johannesburg for the Democratic Alliance, said, ”We condemn the illegal land invasion that is happening in Kathrada Park and we are calling the City of Joburg (COJ) to have an open waiting list for the houses.
The RDP project was started in 2004 but came to an end in 2005, when residents inquired about the sudden stop to the project they were told the project had run into financial difficulties and could not continue.
“The DA is calling on COJ to complete those units because residents have been waiting for to long,” said Mhlongo
“We wanted to find out why the construction was not continuing at the local housing department, this project is 10 years old this year.
“We have been waiting for a long time.
“Politicians using our area as a voting platform will not be tolerated,” said Siphamandla Ndzula
The houses that have been constructed but not completed have been occupied by non-residents of Kathrada Park.
“COJ needs to manage the waiting list properly because if you go to the Department of Housing it is chaos and there is no organisation regarding housing waiting list.
“When those people moved into our RDP houses, why didn’t JMPD come and remove them like they are so quick to response when they want to take our shacks,” said Buyi Nyide.
Residents have made a collective decision about having politicians coming to their area and making empty promises when it gets closer to elections.
“In 2011 the MMC of housing Dan Bovu came and made promises to us, just for our votes.
“Promises include receiving a RDP house that some residents have been waiting for years, said Isaac Mhlakaza.
