The desperate and long-standing demand for housing in Alex has made the city council offer what could only be called a desperate measure as a solution.
This with housing units made of corrugated iron sheets which are changing the landscape of Setswetla Informal Settlement and part of Marlboro. The development leaves the intended beneficiaries ambivalent about whether to move in or not.
There are many questions, with some doubting the city council’s commitment and ability to fulfil its promise to provide proper housing. This, after allegations of many years of broken promises to provide housing in Linbro Park, Modderfontein and other nearby areas.
One of the intended beneficiaries, Selinah Motloung, said their concern is further aggravated by allegations of improper, corrupt or delayed allocation of existing housing developments in extensions 7, 10 and Botlhabela Ext Phase 2 flats.
“These housing units have remained unoccupied for years, and who are they meant to accommodate if not us?” she asked.
These concerns have resulted in running battles between Metro police, for the council, against residents attempting to illegally occupy the units. They have further been worsened by council’s delay in releasing the findings of an audit on the allocation problem.
The tin shacks also come into the equation when the residents’ expectations are of proper housing – for which numerous residents have waited for many years.
However, area councillor Lilian Kakana said the tins shacks were a temporary measure to alleviate the housing shortage and would not fulfil all of the residents’ expectations.
Some residents allege the units could be an electioneering ploy for next year’s local government elections. Kekana, though, urged residents to be fair on government as, over the years, thousands of houses have been constructed, allocated and more are still to be built as part of a national housing programme.
It stands to be seen if the residents will occupy the units they also allege are made of flimsy material which can be cut with a pair of scissors, have a weak wooden frame, are crammed together, have no space for wash lines or parking, are said to leak, and their foundation and floors could be burrowed into by rats. The beneficiaries are also concerned by the fact that they are single rooms which compromise privacy between parents and children.
Details: Councillor Lilian Kekana 082 484 6762.
