Where should we go?

BETHAL – Residents of Freedom Square in eMzinoni fear that they might become homeless at any time.

This came after they had seen four temporary structures being erected to apparently accommodate four families that will be evicted from their homes.

Residents who have been told to move to these structures are having concerns about moving, because they were not given any documents and were not told how long they will stay in the temporary structures.

“We can see that the municipality is serious about evicting us without providing alternative places to stay in.

“Out of the 90 families living here, how can they bring only four temporary structures? What will happen to the rest?

“We are losing this battle of many years.

“We do not have a problem with moving out, but we want the municipality to give us the right place to stay in,” said one of the residents.

The residents further said they have been promised RDP houses and that those who did not qualify, will be allocated stands.

Mr Khosi Nkosi (32) has been given the keys to her RDP house, but someone has moved into the house and changed the locks.

“I asked around and was told that the stand on which my RDP house was built, belongs to someone else.

“The neighbours even threatened me and said I will not live in that house while they are still alive.

“I reported the matter to the police, but they could not help me because I do not have documents stating that I am the owner of the house.”

Mr Henry Masango, head of marketing and communication for Govan Mbeki Municipality, said: “At the last meeting held by the municipality with the Local Negotiating Group (tenants committee) it was agreed that they would call a community meeting and give the following feedback to the residents:

“The temporal structures are meant for the occupants of the four units that are in the way of the sewer line that needs to be connected in order for the finished units to be usable.

“All qualifying residents should go to the municipal offices to register for RDPs

“The construction of the flats would happen at the same time as the construction of the RDP houses for those who qualify.

“The municipality would look at available stands for those who would want stands.

“The municipality is serious about providing a better life for all, hence the continuation of the construction so that people are moved out of the bad conditions they are in on the OTK side of the current development.

“The rest of the people will be moved out as soon as the finished units are usable and people can occupy them.

“The Local Negotiating Group (tenants committee) was requested to invite officials of the municipality and provincial office to their next community meeting so as to give informed feedback to the people.”