Hostel residents close gates to newly built flats
Freedom Square residents say no one will stay in the flats until the municipality gives them land to stay on.
eMZINONI – Residents said no one will access the newly built flats until the municipality gives them a place to stay.
They said they are fed up with the lies of the municipality and now they cannot take it anymore.
Mr Jeffry Williams, a resident who has been staying at Freedom Square since 1978, said they are going nowhere.
“This is our home and my children were born and raised here.
“The municipality now manipulates us for their own selfish benefits.
“They moved some of us out of hostels, promising to build RDP houses and giving us stands when they knew they were lying.
“Now they say we will be evicted and the flats are for rentals.
“They focus on making money and have forgotten about us.
“We say no one will enter these flats.”
Ms Thabile Thabethe said they are united as residents in fighting this battle.
She said she had been threatened by people who said they were going to kill her.
“I no longer sleep at home because it is unsafe.
“The sad part is that we are threatened by municipal officials and councillors.
“These people are supposed to be protecting us!”
Residents said they are shocked by the rudeness of the executive mayor, Ms Lindi Masina.
“She did not want to listen to us, instead she was trying to manipulate us by promising us land and RDP houses.
“When she realised we did not succumb to her statement, she left.
“She walked out, that was very rude.”
Local police are monitoring the situation .
Mr Henry Masango, head of communication and marketing for the Govan Mbeki Municipality, said: “The municipality is aware that residents of Freedom Square want to be provided with accommodation before they allow new tenants to take occupation. “The municipality is in the process of identifying an alternative place for them.
“Some have been approved for low cost houses to be built and to date, three families have already taken occupation of their houses.
” Regrettable one went back to the hostel again.
“During the recent public meeting with Ms Lindi Masina, executive mayor, the residents of Freedom Square resolved to allow new tenants to take occupation of the flats.”
