Pensioner fears collapse of her RDP house in eMbalenhle

Elizabeth Nondlala (66), who lives with her four grandchildren in Ward 4, eMbalenhle, fears her RDP house will cave in on them.

Groundwater is slowly eroding the house, and pools of rainwater do not seep away, worsening the situation. The family then cannot exit their home because of the flooding in their yard.

Nondlala relocated to this stand years ago and has had a problem since. She has asked the Govan Mbeki Municipality for help, who told her the municipality does not repair problems inside a residential stand.

They would only fix issues outside the yard or on the pavement. Nondlala said the community began digging a trench two years ago to absorb the water from the water-logged yard to save her house.

“Unfortunately, a child nearly drowned in that trench, so the municipality closed it up.”

The community is now raising money to help Nondlala. They plan to dig around her RDP house and yard, then fill it with gravel and plaster her home to prevent collapse.

Community member Xolani Mahlangu said the community feels ashamed that a pensioner has to struggle like this.

“She is unable to fix the problem with her pension grant.”

Community member Samuel Matli said neighbours have already begun contributing to the repairs fund.
Matli said anyone who wants to contribute can call him on 072 675 7978.