The meeting started on a sour note, with two residents walking out and one of them even swearing at ward councillor Mary Goby.
On the issue of title deeds, Goby said that the matter was raised in council last month and the mayor, Mondli Gungubele, has to sign a subdivision agreement.
“The entire title deeds issue is also being discussed by provincial government and Ekurhuleni, so this will be a long, drawn out process,” said Goby.
She added that the residents might receive their title deeds after about 18 months.
She advised them to pay their rent, because, if they don’t pay, they won’t receive their deeds.
A resident explained that he is unemployed and, therefore, cannot afford to pay his rent.
“If you can’t afford to pay rent apply for an RDP house,” replied Goby.
“I applied for an RDP house in 1996 and, to date, I have not been given one,” added the resident.
“If you do not pay your rent or water the municipality can cut your electricity until you settle the outstanding amount,” said Goby.
Residents also complained about officials who are evicting them unlawfully.
The residents added that the officials demand that they give them their house keys without producing any official documentation that states that they have to be evicted.
“Residents can only be evicted when they have been issued with a court order from Ekurhuleni,” said Goby.
She advised the residents to draw up a petition with all their issues.
