Relocation for residents of the Jwagga informal settlement in Klerksoord has been delayed, with the Tshwane metro confirming that the Andeon Extension 37 development is 63% complete without a confirmed moving date.

Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said no stands are ready for occupation, as construction remains underway.

“The outstanding work must be completed before households can move into the development,” Mashigo said.

The project is being constructed under a 36-month contract that started on July 16, 2024, with completion scheduled for July 2027.

Mashigo said no delays have been experienced and construction remains within the contractual timeframe.

Verification of beneficiaries pending

While the metro previously indicated that 150 Jwagga households were expected to be relocated, the latest update states that the list of qualifying households still needs verification.

“Verification will determine which households qualify for relocation to Andeon Extension 37,” Mashigo said.

Some Jwagga beneficiaries have already been relocated to Soshanguve Extensions 6 and 7, while the proposed The Orchards Extension 110 development also forms part of the relocation planning.

Basic service delivery concerns raised

Mashigo said outstanding work includes installing water and sanitation pipes and constructing toilets. Relocation will only begin once construction is complete and qualifying households have been verified.

Residents have raised concerns about basic services while waiting for permanent housing.

“We need service delivery. We are not pigs; we are human beings. So, the city must come and clean the place while we are still waiting for relocation,” said community leader Tshepo Raseropo.

Resident Thabo Aphane said residents faced lengthy queues for water.

“You wait for one hour to fetch water,” said Aphane.

Ward 98 councillor Mickey van Westhuizen said he had escalated residents’ concerns to municipal departments and requested that the Department of Housing engage directly with affected residents.

The metro now says it plans a meeting with residents to discuss relocation arrangements once construction is complete. Until then, residents remain without a confirmed moving date.

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