QUESTIONS asked by irate residents about housing in the Western Cape at a meeting last weekend, had the minister of local government and housing, Richard Dyantyi, casting around for answers.Dyantyi addressed residents from Guguletu, Nyanga and Philippi on certain matters, especially the many backyard dwellers in those areas.
From the outset he made it quite clear that the provincial government was aware of the lack of confidence because previous promises had not been met.
According to him the provincial government is doing everything in its power to relieve the shortage of housing.
“We have already referred ten projects to the special investigating unit after allegations of financial irregularities. One person has appeared in court in connection with alleged corruption and three others may follow soon.”
Dyantyi said he was aware before the meeting that residents would be upset, because many of them have been waiting for houses for years.
“The fact that they are upset is therefore understood and fair.”
In spite of expecting criticism he was still caught unawares by the strongly worded dissatisfaction of Galiema Messiah of Heinz Park.
“You will probably have noticed that those present have no respect for you. That is the result of the actions of the housing council that has treated us like rubbish.
“We see them today and then we never hear from them again. I have been hearing the same old stories for the past four years.
“Where were you last night (Saturday) when we had to run around to find buckets and dishes to keep water from flooding our leaking houses?”
Messiah said there are rumours that the contractor who had been appointed to build units in Heinz Park had disappeared with the money.
She was not the only person who was upset.
Desmond Ntlabati (36) who lives in a hostel in Guguletu, also had very little sympathy with the minister.
According to him, the hostel is not fit for human occupation. The drains are blocked and rubbish is piling up all over the place.
“Children and the elderly are becoming ill in the place. Even a frog will not live long in the water.”
At the end of the information session Dyantyi promised residents that houses and units that have not been completed, would be built and that those who qualify for a housing subsidy, would receive it. - City Vision
From the outset he made it quite clear that the provincial government was aware of the lack of confidence because previous promises had not been met.
According to him the provincial government is doing everything in its power to relieve the shortage of housing.
“We have already referred ten projects to the special investigating unit after allegations of financial irregularities. One person has appeared in court in connection with alleged corruption and three others may follow soon.”
Dyantyi said he was aware before the meeting that residents would be upset, because many of them have been waiting for houses for years.
“The fact that they are upset is therefore understood and fair.”
In spite of expecting criticism he was still caught unawares by the strongly worded dissatisfaction of Galiema Messiah of Heinz Park.
“You will probably have noticed that those present have no respect for you. That is the result of the actions of the housing council that has treated us like rubbish.
“We see them today and then we never hear from them again. I have been hearing the same old stories for the past four years.
“Where were you last night (Saturday) when we had to run around to find buckets and dishes to keep water from flooding our leaking houses?”
Messiah said there are rumours that the contractor who had been appointed to build units in Heinz Park had disappeared with the money.
She was not the only person who was upset.
Desmond Ntlabati (36) who lives in a hostel in Guguletu, also had very little sympathy with the minister.
According to him, the hostel is not fit for human occupation. The drains are blocked and rubbish is piling up all over the place.
“Children and the elderly are becoming ill in the place. Even a frog will not live long in the water.”
At the end of the information session Dyantyi promised residents that houses and units that have not been completed, would be built and that those who qualify for a housing subsidy, would receive it. - City Vision
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