A housing project that will ultimately benefit more than 50 families in NU 18 has come to a standstill.
From February this year, families living in the CC18 informal settlement were required to move to an adjacent plot to make way for new RDP houses.
However, around 10 shacks still remain, with residents claiming the new site does not have sufficient space for all of them.
With little room between shacks, residents added there was a fire risk, in addition to not having toilets or running water. They are pleading with Buffalo City Metro (BCM) to provide temporary structures instead.
The Daily Dispatch sent questions to metro spokesman Thandy Matebese regarding the stalling of the housing project a week ago, however, he is yet to respond. Resident Luthando Thuthu said he was also concerned about the relocation costs involved.
“Many of us are unemployed and moving requires money,” Thuthu said.
“We have to pay someone to help transport the zinc sheets and then later the furniture. Depending on how big your shack is and how much furniture you have, it can be costly.”
Thuthu said since most of them had been living in their shacks for over 20 years, uprooting would make them fall apart.
“We watched those that moved and many of them had to fork out money to replace zinc sheets when they arrived at the new plot.
“That was fine for them because they have the money to do that, but what about the rest of us?” he said.
Thuthu’s shack is one of the 10 that remains on the plot, stalling the development of the project. One resident who attempted the move, Thandile Buso, said he now feared for his possessions.
“My shack fell apart as soon as we touched it. There’s an entire portion missing which once served as one of the walls, leaving my house exposed. Someone could walk in and steal my furniture at any time,” he said.
Elderly resident Nomfundo Ntsongwe said if BCM was not able to provide temporary structures then a new plot would be welcomed.
“If not then my daughter and my grandchildren will be sleeping outside until our new house is finished,” she said.
Residents said they had raised their concerns with their ward who allegedly told them BCM was unable to provide temporary structures due to budget issues.
NU 18 housing project grinds to halt
From February this year, families living in the CC18 informal settlement were required to move to an adjacent plot to make way for new RDP houses.
However, around 10 shacks still remain, with residents claiming the new site does not have sufficient space for all of them.
With little room between shacks, residents added there was a fire risk, in addition to not having toilets or running water. They are pleading with Buffalo City Metro (BCM) to provide temporary structures instead.
The Daily Dispatch sent questions to metro spokesman Thandy Matebese regarding the stalling of the housing project a week ago, however, he is yet to respond. Resident Luthando Thuthu said he was also concerned about the relocation costs involved.
“Many of us are unemployed and moving requires money,” Thuthu said.
“We have to pay someone to help transport the zinc sheets and then later the furniture. Depending on how big your shack is and how much furniture you have, it can be costly.”
Thuthu said since most of them had been living in their shacks for over 20 years, uprooting would make them fall apart.
“We watched those that moved and many of them had to fork out money to replace zinc sheets when they arrived at the new plot.
“That was fine for them because they have the money to do that, but what about the rest of us?” he said.
Thuthu’s shack is one of the 10 that remains on the plot, stalling the development of the project. One resident who attempted the move, Thandile Buso, said he now feared for his possessions.
“My shack fell apart as soon as we touched it. There’s an entire portion missing which once served as one of the walls, leaving my house exposed. Someone could walk in and steal my furniture at any time,” he said.
Elderly resident Nomfundo Ntsongwe said if BCM was not able to provide temporary structures then a new plot would be welcomed.
“If not then my daughter and my grandchildren will be sleeping outside until our new house is finished,” she said.
Residents said they had raised their concerns with their ward who allegedly told them BCM was unable to provide temporary structures due to budget issues.
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