Empty promises to isolated families
When the wood-and-iron homes of some of the last remaining Indian families living in Seven Tanks in the Silverglen Nature Reserve were looted and burned in November 2015, a dark cloud hung over the community. With no money to rebuild their homes, the affected families were forced to move out and seek shelter elsewhere. Thereafter, during a visit to the area by the KZN Department of Human Settlements and Public Works, the residents claimed they were promised building materials to upgrade their homes. But, two years later, they say nothing has been done to assist them. CHARLENE SOMDUTH reports on their plight.
WHEN you drive through the Silverglen Nature Reserve you are captivated by the sound of nature and the varying species of plants.
The last thing you would expect to see is a community of dozens of families living together. In the heart of the nature reserve, which borders uMlazi, Silverglen and other parts of Chatsworth, lies the historic community of Seven Tanks.
For more than 100 years, families – descendants of Indian indentured labourers – have called this place home.
But attacks from criminals have caused some to flee. And while 23 families have apparently indicated to KZN authorities that they are willing to relocate, 14 are staying put.
They are reluctant to move because of ancestral ties to the area, as well as their love of traditional farming.
Explaining how they came to be there, local DA councillor Tony Govender said that years after indentured labourers came to South Africa, they found work at the then Umlazi waterworks, a treatment plant commonly known as Seven Tanks.
“With no other source of accommodation, the management gave them the surrounding land to build homes.”
Because of financial constraints, he said the families built their homes out of wood and iron.
“The filtered water from the plant flowed through streams in the area and provided healthy ground for cultivation.
“While the men worked on the plant, the women supplemented their income by growing herbs and vegetables. These items were then sold to surrounding markets.”
Govender said there was no electricity, running water or proper sanitation, but over the years that changed with assistance from the city.
“Although families still live in wood-and-iron homes, they were provided with electricity and piped water, but they lack proper toilet facilities. They use a pit system.”
He said the majority of residents had been living in Seven Tanks since birth and were unable to leave because of financial constraints.
“November 2015 was a difficult time for them after six homes were looted and burned. For years, despite their challenges, they lived in harmony and when this happened, it left them heartbroken.
“But in the sadness there was hope for a better life because they were promised material to help rebuild or renovate their homes from wood and iron, to brick.”
Govender said during a visit by the MEC of Human Settlements and Public Works, Ravi Pillay, former mayor James Nxumalo and officials from the KZN Department of Community Safety, homes were marked with red spray paint.
“This was used as an indication that they would receive building material, but two years down the line nothing has been done. The community continues to live in isolation with no help of a better future.”
He continued: “Six months after becoming the councillor, I approached an official from the Department of Human Settlements, who is in charge of the south region, about the promises made.
“The official told me the department was aware of the promise and was looking into the matter as there was no funds available to purchase the building materials.”
Govender said it was disappointing the community was left with empty promises.
A statement issued by the department to POST read: “The latest information is that professional service providers, with respect to land surveying and town planning, had been appointed and the two respective service providers had commenced with some activities relating to obtain(ing) approvals for housing provision to the affected Seven Tanks residents.
“As recent as February 9, 2017, a site inspection was conducted by the appointed town planning service provider and councillor for Ward 73 as well as the interviewing of some residents to ascertain how the residents are currently settled and how they want to be assisted.” It further stated that:
● There are approximately 37 households identified on site.
● The municipality’s Estates Unit has confirmed that seven families have lease agreements with the metro.
● Out of the 37 families in one section of Seven Tanks, 23 are willing to relocate.
● Some have indicated they are reluctant to move due to ancestral ties with the area.
● Subsistence agriculture is the main source of income for residents to sustain themselves.
● Most residents prefer to retain their current agricultural activities even when they relocate, which might be a challenge when they are relocated to urban areas where land use controls prohibit agricultural activities.