The relocation saga of the displaced tent dwellers on Plot 323 in Wilgespruit near Ruimsig continues to paint a grim picture.
After surviving the recent hail storm which was accompanied by a raging tornado that wreaked havoc on the plot, the dwellers were convinced that their cry for better accommodation would be prioritised following a visit by City of Johannesburg officials led by Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba.
In an exclusive interview with Northsider, Mashaba explained why the residents cannot build on the plot and also indicated that this particular project was set up by the provincial government.
He stated that the City’s housing department is engaging provincial government to assist with funding.
“From what I hear from Councillor Leah Knott, that area cannot be declared as a residential or township area, so the City needs to find alternative temporary accommodation for the dwellers. Our housing department is engaging with provincial government to assist us, because they are the ones who must give us the money to provide such services,” said Mashaba.
The local ANC caucus shared its outrage about the matter. Lebo Mofokane, the ANC deputy chairman in Ward 97, who is appalled by what is happening, said, “We cannot stand on the sidelines watching our brothers and sisters suffer like this. Ward 97 is a true example of inequality in this country. These people live a stone’s throw away from opulence.”
“We call on the City of Johannesburg to wake up and smell the coffee and do the right thing – at least allocate some land for the residents to build structures and houses for themselves,” Mofokane suggested.
Since the move to Plot 323 was initiated by the provincial government following the residents’ eviction from another plot earlier this year, Mashaba said the province has to work with the City’s housing department, because the area cannot be approved for township development.
“Provincial government provided those tents, knowing very well that the area cannot become a township development,” Mashaba explained.
He further explained that they were sitting with 300 000 unit housing backlog while they only received funds for 1 000.
The Northsider is still awaiting comment from the Gauteng Provincial Government.
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