Lovu residents live in fear over shoddy workmanship
Another disturbing incident occurred on Sunday, September 5, when an elderly couple were awoken to a fire blazing through their home.
The Activist Movement of South Africa (AMSA) has slammed the shoddy workmanship of houses built under the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) in Lovu. Several houses in the area have visible cracks at the foundation and residents live in fear of their safety. AMSA official, Gugu Vilakazi from ward 109 in Lovu, has been assisting families in the area who have been experiencing issues with the RDP houses. According to AMSA media officer, Rynel Govender, the occupants of those houses are experiencing many faults resulting from either poor quality building materials or unskilled labour.
“One of the issues is the cracking walls which can be fatal if it continues. In one particular area there is a house with four adults and seven children that live in it and it is falling apart. They all live in danger not knowing when the wall would give way, due to lack of resources they are unable to repair the damage.”
Another disturbing incident occurred on Sunday, September 5, when an elderly couple were awoken to a fire blazing through their home. The house and all its contents were completely destroyed. Fortunately, the couple was unharmed. Nonhlanhla Maphumulo, 50, who lived in the home for many years, said she was heartbroken to see her house in flames. She is now temporarily living with neighbours.
“The RDP houses burnt down due to a possible electrical fault due to shoddy workmanship. Vilakazi has also been assisting the family with food items and other requirements. It is sad to know that these are the type of houses that are being built under the promises of the current government, as much as they want to give free houses to the people, these houses have become possible death traps. AMSA is committed to the community and will assist as much as we can,” added Govender.
Another activist, Sunil Dutt Ramadhar, added that the group pleads for help from the department of human settlements.
“Disgruntled residents are living in fear as the RDP houses they live in is being structurally damaged due to heavy rains and flooding. It’s not safe as they fear that their lives are in danger.”
A comment from eThekwini Municipality was not available at as his time. For more information, contact, 072 794 9006.
ALSO READ: Teen dies in Lovu house fire
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