Systematic failure of housing a major challenge – Maserishane
The greatest challenge to South Africa's housing crisis is the systematic failure of government to effectively plan, construct and keep records of RDP beneficiaries, says the DA PR Councillor and Member of the Environmental Development Oversight CClr Maserishane maintains all those who live in a free and democratic South Africa deserve to live better than this.ommittee in Ekurhuleni, Clr Debeila Maserishane.
The greatest challenge to South Africa’s housing crisis is the systematic failure of government to effectively plan, construct and keep records of RDP beneficiaries, says the DA PR Councillor and Member of the Environmental Development Oversight Committee in Ekurhuleni, Clr Debeila Maserishane.
Clr Maserishane said Tembisa in Ekurhuleni has numerous informal settlements such as Madelakufa.
“Madelakufa Informal Settlement was established before 1990 and it is not formalised by the metro. This means that the community of Madelakufa does not have access to basic services such as electricity.
Over 50% of the Madelakufa community have been on the housing list since before 1996. Over 20 years later, they are still waiting for their housing allocations. It would appear this community has simply been forgotten by the ruling party and the metro,” added Clr Maserishane.
He said a week ago, 15 shacks were burnt to ashes in the informal settlement, leaving one man dead and many homeless.
“The informal settlement is incredibly populated and shacks catch on fire very quickly. The fire in the past week was caused by a Primus stove that exploded while a woman was cooking. If Madelakufa were electrified, incidents such as these would be avoided and lives would be spared. I am, therefore, pleading with the metro to provide electricity to this informal settlement for the community’s safety and to increase their quality of life,” said Clr Maserishane.
Clr Maserishane maintains all those who live in a free and democratic South Africa deserve to live better than this.
“Our government really needs to break the legacy of apartheid and restore the dignity of our people. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni also calls on business and civil society to assist the community of the Madelakufa Informal Settlement with donations and services to rebuild their shacks that were burnt beyond recognition,” said Clr Maserishane.
Individuals who can extend a helping hand are also urged to come to donate food and clothing.
For donations and any further enquiries, please contact 082 740 5214.
