Monday, May 31, 2010

Residents use road signs to build shacks

With high unemployment, shacks like these have become a sign of the times.

So don't be surprised when the next time you're driving across the Flats you get lost because of missing road signs.

The Daily Voice spotted a shack made of a detour sign in Brown's Farm, Philippi, on Friday afternoon.

The 46-year-old owner of the shack, who was still busy building his home after the previous one flooded, says he found the sign on his way to look for work.

"I don't have money to buy good material and this keeps the rain out," he says.

"I came across this board and picked it up to build my shack."

A few metres from his shack another road sign was spotted - this time masquerading as a garage door.

A 42-year-old woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, says there are a lot of similar homes in the area.

"Yes, it's dangerous for motorists but unemployment has reduced people to commit all sorts of crimes," she says.

"Imagine tourists for the World Cup coming to a country with no road signs."

Ward councillor for the area, Bongani Mini, warned that stealing government material is a punishable offence.

"Offenders can be charged for theft," he says.

- Daily Voice

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