Wentworth residents overjoyed by housing MEC’s visit
According to resident, Roslyn King, the MEC was disheartened and disgusted with the way in which they live in Wentworth.
THE WENTWORTH community has reason to celebrate better living following a successful outcome to a meeting with the housing department.
The meeting was a follow-up to the uproar that was seen in the community due to the removal of Teresa Warren, who had illegally occupied a vacant flat in February, fleeing her dilapidated shack for better accommodation.
One of the residents at the forefront of the meeting, Roslyn King, said the meeting held towards the end of March was the light of hope the community needed.
“I’m happy with the outcome of the meeting with the MEC because, for many years, it seemed like there was a black cloud over Wentworth, we were not coming right – people fought and tried to get help from the government but nothing came of it. I’m thankful today and as I always say, when you walk with God, no one can be against you,” she said.
King said that their list of pleas including better accommodating houses.
“We want to live comfortably in bigger homes with our children because some of us have four generations living under the same roof.”
“Our children are grown and their children are growing, so as a community we decided to take a stand for better housing because the only projects government ever does are renovations on flats.”
“But you cannot keep re-renovating old flats just like you can’t keep painting an old plank, it’ll brittle.”
She said the MEC noted their grievances with concern and related to them as women and the role they play in society.
“As agreed, they visited the community and were very disheartened and disgusted in the way we live. We also saw in the news that they were not lying to us but indeed took steps on committing themselves to our pleas which was like a present to us seeing them giving feedback on the news,” she said.
Most flats in the area consist of just one bedroom, a kitchen, and toilet with up to 10 family members under one roof, which according to King, is why some units have shacks attached to them.
“We’re living uncomfortably and in poverty, which is why there are extra units being built next to the flats. We’ re also not breathing properly because there is restricted airflow due to the attachments on the building. We’re grateful to the housing team for giving us the opportunity to get these homes. We pray that our community stands together as one,” she added.
A response from eThekwini Municipality was not available at the time of publication.
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