EMALAHLENI – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has instituted the investigation on sale of RDP house units in Siyanqoba, Emalahleni.
The DA said that there were pictures of RDP houses doing rounds on social media networks. “Selling RDP houses is a crime. The houses are supposed to be distributed to needy residents for free,” DA’s Aaron Khumalo said.
The DA finds it completely unacceptable that approved residents can place RDP houses on sale when there is an endless number of individuals who need housing desperately still on waiting list.
MEC for Human Settlement Norah Mahlangu responded after DA urgently demanded an investigation on the RDP houses put up on sale. “In light of allegations of illegal selling and people being falsely promised RDP houses at Siyanqoba and surrounding areas at Emalahleni Local Municipality, the department wants it to be known that the low cost RDP houses are not for profit making,” MEC Mahlangu said.
She said that it is in line with the provision of the Housing Amendment Act which prohibits the sale of an RDP house outside a period of eight years,” she said. she urges all beneficiaries to refrain from selling their houses illegally and members of communities not be played or misled by certain leaders or politicians who promise them houses.
A community member said, “Our government is indeed failing us. Many of us are still on the waiting list of the RDP houses.”
