In the small town of Nigel, South Africa, a group of about 100 households have been living in makeshift shacks for over three decades, while their neighbours enjoy the comfort of completed RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) houses. Rossie Roos and her husband were among the pioneers who first set up shacks in Alra Park Extension 1 in 1992. Despite the area being formalised by the late 1990s, with the provision of electricity, water, and toilets, Roos’s surprise came when the government began constructing houses for her neighbours, but skipped her own shack.
Roos received a title deed and was informed that her house would be built at a later date. However, three decades have elapsed, and her husband has passed away, leaving her still living in a shack surrounded by completed RDP houses. Her plight is shared by many others in the community.
Community representative Hugh van Greenen explains that residents living in shacks continue to receive monthly bills for municipal rates and taxes. When they visit the housing office, the system indicates that their houses have been built, despite their continued absence. Sheila Arnolds, who received her title deed two years ago, struggles with leaks in her shack, often having to place buckets inside, even on her bed. When she inquired about the construction of her house, the local office referred her to the Alberton Housing Office, where she was told her house had already been built, despite her living conditions.
As elections approach, residents are promised that their houses will finally be constructed. However, many, including Roos, have lost faith in the political process and no longer plan to vote. Tahir Sema, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, stated that the project in question is being implemented by the City of Ekurhuleni.
But City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini clarified that the municipality only implemented RDP housing for Alra Park Extension 3, while extensions 1 and 2 were implemented and funded by the department. He referred queries to the province.
Dlamini also mentioned that the municipality provided electricity, water, and sewerage, services that residents must pay for, even without a title deed. The community remains hopeful for a resolution, as they continue to live in deplorable conditions amidst the promises of improved housing.
Source: allafrica
