DELMAS – The Mandela community is pleading to be relocated to a fully serviced area with serviced stands and piped infrastructure.
This appeal, directed at the Victor Khanye Municipality, follows over five years of unfulfilled promises regarding RDP houses.
“It is a promise that has failed to materialise,” said Florah Sitoe, a Ward 2 resident.
The residents’ frustration and disillusionment stem from what they perceive as the municipality’s inability to deliver on its commitments. Their breaking point came when heavy rainfall caused water to flood their homes, leaving them vulnerable to damage and health risks.
The community’s current living conditions are dire, with many residents forced to endure flooding, poor sanitation, and inadequate housing.
“The municipality’s failure to address these issues has eroded trust and left residents feeling abandoned,” added Sitoe, who is also a member of the MK Party.
“We have been residing here since December 2015, and unfortunately, our area lacks development and progress. We have been living in shacks for over five years, with no clear answers about RDP houses from our councillor.
What’s even more concerning is that the councillor, who’s serving her second term, has never called a community meeting to address our issues. This is particularly disturbing since she’s also the MMC of Social and Health. Our situation is a pressing social issue.”
Sitoe further explained that speed humps recently installed on the road have caused more problems than solutions.
“During heavy rainfall, water accumulates and floods our homes, damaging our belongings and putting our children’s safety at risk. We’re pleading with our councillor and the municipality to assist us, especially since they’re developing new areas and planning on selling stands while we’re still struggling in informal settlements,” she said.
“We urge the municipality to take our concerns seriously and provide solutions to our problems. If not, we’ll be forced to exercise our right to protest, as it’s unacceptable for us to suffer while our so-called leaders live comfortably. The safety and well-being of our children are at stake, and we demand action from our councillor and the municipality.”
As the standoff between the community and the municipality continues, the Mandela community says it will no longer settle for broken promises and substandard living conditions.
“We demand a better life, and we demand it now,” Sitoe said.
Attempts to get a response from the Victor Khanye Municipality were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to questions.
