Ashton housing crisis a ‘ticking time bomb’ in Langeberg
THE wait for housing in Ashton in the Langeberg Municipality has been described as a “ticking time bomb” after residents recently took to the streets to protest a lack of provision.
Frustration in the winelands town, about 175km from Cape Town, reached boiling point last week after shacks were demolished, said JJ Januarie, leader of the ANC opposition at the municipality.
He said the municipality had continuously reneged on its duty to build houses for people.
The municipality said protesters had closed the intersection on the R62 towards Montagu and the R60 towards Swellendam.
Januarie said the Red Ants demolished shacks in Zolani township as well as in other informal settlements in Ashton, which led to residents taking out their frustration in protest.
“What happened was oncoming. The situation is a ticking time bomb. Residents have held numerous meetings with the mayor, but still no houses are being built. As a result of insufficient housing delivery, service delivery is also a problem,” Januarie said.
Mayor Schalk van Eeden said they were working to identify land that residents could occupy, but in the meantime they would not allow land grabs.
Van Eeden said he had been in constant contact with residents about the municipality waiting for money to build houses.
“We are waiting to be given a budget to build houses for residents.
“In the meantime, we are looking to identify land and will inform residents accordingly. I have written to them to let them know what’s happening,” he said.
Western Cape Department of Human Settlements spokesperson Nathan Adriaanse said three housing developments were planned in the Langeberg Municipality.
Adriaanse said in Robertson, 172 structures that were initially earmarked for the 2022-2023 financial year would be brought forward to 2021-2022.
“In Boekenhoutskloof, the department is awaiting the Project Feasibility Report. In Uitsig Bonnievale the Langeberg Municipality and its implementing agent are in the process of exploring options on how the area will be developed. Once the development strategy is complete, a Project Initiation Readiness Report will be submitted for approval,” he said.