Tshwane homeowners say they are at their wit’s end due to illegal land grabs and mushrooming informal settlements, which they believe pose a risk to residents’ safety.
The recent devastating fire at Cemetery View informal settlement, which left one person dead and over 2 000, mostly undocumented migrants displaced, has sparked widespread concern.
Residents of Moroleta Park, like homeowner Tshepo Monnamorea, believe the government’s inaction has led to this crisis.
He says his years of hard work and sacrifice have been undermined by the rapid growth of informal settlements, which now threatens the safety of his family.
Cemetery View informal settlement, allegedly controlled by a cartel charging exorbitant rent, lacks basic amenities, including proper electricity and sanitation.
It’s created an environment with hazardous electricity connections and poor living conditions.
Human Settlements MEC, Lebogang Maile, visited the area on Monday.
He’s prioritised relocating informal residents, emphasising a humanitarian approach and avoiding forced removals.
Maile added that Gauteng’s housing crisis would worsen unless development is prioritised across all nine provinces.
He said that Gauteng’s rapid growth, driven by economic opportunities, strained housing and infrastructure in the province.
He added that addressing economic equalities between provinces was key to addressing the problem.
Meanwhile, residents are torn between empathy for the displaced shack dwellers and concerns about undocumented migrants entering the province.
As survivors face their third night without shelter, residents warn of a “ticking time-bomb” due to hazardous, flammable structures, which are being rebuilt.
Written by: Naomi Kobbie
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