RDP houses a haven for criminals
"What was to be a development of great benefit to the community has left a bitter taste in the mouths of surrounding neighbours".
Thabang Kuaho
RDP houses in extension 6, Soshanguve have become a haven for criminals, the Democratic Alliance said recently. “What was to be a development of great benefit to the community has left a bitter taste in the mouths of surrounding neighbours, Ward 90 councillor Wildri Peach said.
He said the houses were completed almost two years ago, but have stood empty since they have not been allocated to anyone yet.
“It appears that roads and bulk services like sanitation were never completed, and deep excavations and open pipes have just been abandoned, Peach explained.
The failure to complete the houses has resulted in vandalism and criminal inhabitants. It has also drawn unwanted attention from squatters looking for a place to stay, and criminals use the buildings as a hideaway and a place from which to operate their criminal activities.
“They exploit the maze of abandoned roads and alleys as convenient staging areas to ambush passers-by as well as excellent escape routes,” he explained.
According to Peach, there have been alarming reports of crime like muggings, nyaope usage and assault at the development in recent weeks. These have, however, not been confirmed.
“In a country which has a housing shortage, with people subjected to undignified living conditions, the poor planning and maintenance of this development is deplorable,” he concluded.
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