The squatters on Dann Road have not been granted the services they demanded in a memorandum handed over to the City of Ekurhuleni.
A group living on the private land adjoining Glen Balad Mall peacefully marched to the Kempton Park Civic Centre on April 6 to hand over their demands, which included the services of a mobile clinic and the provision of more toilet facilities.
According to Zweli Dlamini, the chief specialist of media relations in the office of the city manager, the City of Ekurhuleni responded to the memorandum within five days of receiving it.
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As far as the demand for a mobile clinic is concerned, the metro stated: “The mobile clinics have never provided services to this area, as it is in a built-up area with ample public transport en route.
“Furthermore, it is within the accepted norm of 4-5km from the three nearest clinics, which include the Kempton Park Civic Centre, Birchleigh and Bonaero Park clinics.
“All three clinics render comprehensive primary health care services five days a week. Kempton Clinic is also open on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm.”
According to the metro’s reply, the mobile clinic renders services five days a week to residents in outlying areas who are 10-27km from the nearest clinic.
“In light of the mobile clinic being fully occupied with services to remote areas, it is impossible or impractical to commence such a service for the said area.”
The demand for extra toilets to cater for the 250 houses, as stated in the memorandum, was also not met.
According to the municipality’s reply, the City of Ekurhuleni delivered seven units to the Glen Marikana Informal Settlement on June 9 last year as a temporary measure.
This was based on the approval ratio of five families to one toilet facility. The city is unable to provide additional units due to financial constraints.
The residents’ third request pertained to ward councillor Jaco Terblanche. They demanded Terblanche be disciplined “for stopping and blocking the department of health from rendering a two-time weekly health service to the community, and to resume this service asap.”
The metro said the matter had been referred to the office of the council speaker under the stewardship of the secretary of council.
Adv Motshedi Lekalakala will investigate and resolve the matter.
