. . . as residents’ anger boils over
to people who are not staying in this area. It is very painful to witness people who are not housing beneficiaries moving into newlybuilt homes while we are being subjected to living in these horrible conditions.”
Thekiso said that the protesters would not allow a road development project to go ahead in the area.
“There was a meeting where we heard that the council wanted to develop the road in this area. How can we be happy about a road when we do not have services and homes? What is more of a priority, a road or the people? They have got money to fix the road, but put the needs of the people last.”
A young community member, Tshepo Morris, said that there were no employment opportunities for the youth even though there were many building projects in the area.
“There were houses built in Lerato Park yet none of the youth in Bobo se Plaas were hired to work on the projects. Many youngsters have been staying in shanties for all their lives . . . they started school in a shanty and even after completing school are still staying in a shanty. We have seen our parents apply for houses and be rejected. They are told that they do not qualify for houses,” said Morris.
“There are no programmes to uplift the youth in order for them to have a better future and put them in a position to be able to buy homes for their parents. We are exposed to the same depressing living conditions.”
Another resident added that they are tired of the municipality’s empty promises.
“We want to be allocated permanent sites where our homes will be built. We have brought this matter to the attention of council for several years. All the council does is promise us that there are plans in the pipeline. How long is this pipeline?
“We have been promised better lives but nothing comes of it. The housing problem has an impact on every aspect of the lives of the community members. There is an influx of crime in this area. This is not a political issue, but a social issue.”
Municipal spokesperson, Sello Matsie, urged the community members to make use of the proper channels to deal with their grievances.
“The municipality is dependent on national government through the Department of Co-operative Governance and Housing for the allocation of a budget for housing. Community members must address their concerns with the councillor.
“The Lerato Park project is an integrated project. The approach is to have clinics and schools in one area. It is also to provide people with low-cost housing,” Mastie said.
“The Province has a high unemployment rate. We understand the plight of the residents. We always encourage contractors to employ local people. This is not only to provide work to the people but is also cheaper for the contractors,” Matsie added.