WATCH: Informal settlements’ problems tackled
City promise to do everything in its power to help people in informal settlements.
The City’s housing department team, led by MMC Mlungisi Mabaso and Ward 124 councillor Mongameli Mnyameni, recently embarked on an oversight visit to Wembley informal settlement and Pioneer Hall to see the living conditions of residents.
At Wembley, residents spoke of crime, drugs and illegal immigrants. Residents were pleased to see the authorities visiting them amid their problems.
One of the residents, Buzani Mbongwa, was taken aback to see Mabaso because he ‘promised her a house’. It turned out that Mbongwa was scammed by a bogus MMC to deposit R3 500 for such a dwelling.
The police had since arrested three suspects linked to the fraudulent use of his name regarding the housing department. Those arrested created fake social media accounts in Mabaso’s name and solicited money from unsuspecting people in need of houses by promising to give them RDP houses in exchange for cash.
Regarding evictions, Mabaso said the City must provide the residents with alternative accommodation.
“When there are criminal elements flourishing in these informal settlements, our hands are tied because we are bound by laws and the home affairs department.
“If we provide accommodation, we need to have jurisdiction over those people. I have requested the presence of JMPD; however, there’s nothing they can do as there are court orders.”
The entourage moved to Pioneer Hall in Glenesk, where some of the people were placed after their shacks burned down in Booysens informal settlement.
Busangani Sithole said they live in fear and need better accommodation.
“We are afraid as people come to this hall at night after their drinking spree. The burglar gate doesn’t lock. Police do not help us. The water pipe is leaking outside as it was vandalised. The lights are not working and we sometimes stay two to three days without electricity.
“The councillor often comes to hear our pleas. We want to be moved as we are only women and children here,” she said.
Mabaso promised there is a place near Karzene the City is preparing and they will be moved there. He said in the meantime they will look at the immediate problems and try to fix them.
This will include police patrols around the premises around the hall at night.
As for Wembley, the MMC said he needs to engage with Public Safety MMC David Tembe and the City’s legal team because their problem is much bigger than he anticipated.
