Illegal erection of shacks and renting out of RDP homes are reportedly causing major setbacks and costing taxpayers a lot of money nationwide.
The number of people who leave their homes to erect shacks in Mkholombe, Masinenge and Louisiana areas has increased, despite Ray Nkonyeni Municipality law enforcement having made agreements with dwellers not to allow such activities.
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RNM manager Max Mbili said they had long pleaded with dwellers to be on the lookout for illegal occupants who think erecting shacks was their gateway ticket to a new house.
“We have a problem in that people are just erecting more shacks, slowing down the slum clearance project.”
Other RDP homeowners are reportedly renting them out or selling them.
In the Mkholombe area, a shack landlord who spoke to the Herald on condition of anonymity said he owned about 10 shacks which he rents out to anyone who is looking for a place.
“I already have a RDP house, but I also own shacks in order to get an income because I’m unemployed.”
The man said he rents each shack out for R220 a month or more, depending how big the shack was.
Meanwhile Mr Mbili said they had, on numerous occasions, tried to involve law enforcement officers in demolishing the illegal shacks but it was up to those living in these areas to ensure that they did not allow illegal dwellers.
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