Johannesburg, South Africa
DON’T HAMPER DEVELOPMENT AT DIEPSLOOT: MEC
Gauteng housing minister Nomvula Mokonyane on Monday urged residents of the troubled Diepsloot township north of Johannesburg not to hamper the development of houses at the settlement.
Addressing residents at Diepsloot Sport Complex, she said the recent violence at the township was affecting the government’s plans to provide adequate housing on time.
”We cannot meet the deadline of providing sufficient houses if people keep on disturbing the process.”
Rumours that Diepsloot residents would be relocated to Brits turned the area into a flashpoint last week and saw the arrest of 19 people for public violence and arson.
Mokonyane said 737 stands are already available for occupation and these have water and sanitation facilities.
At least 4 659 houses have been built in the township.
In total, the department is anticipating a development of 5 278 houses.
Eighty-three houses that were built were invaded illegally, she said.
”This type of attitude is totally unacceptable and we will have to remove those who stay in those houses.”
Mokonyane urged residents to identify people who took part in the violence and assist authorities in tracking them down.
”We need to deal effectively with culprits among us that cause unnecessary trouble.”
She said those residents that were arrested last week will be dealt with in terms of the law, and pleaded with residents to report corruption and those involved in it.
”Those people who are involved in selling RDP [Reconstruction and Development Programme] houses must be identified so that police can deal with them.”
Residents who are staying illegally in RDP houses and don’t vacate them will face evictions, departmental spokesperson Mongezi Mnyani confirmed.
He told the Mail & Guardian Online that his department has obtained a court interdict to remove these people from the houses.
”Some of the people have voluntarily left after the minister pleaded with them, but those who are still in the houses will be served with a court interdict.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Housing Lindiwe Sisulu rejected a call for the setting up of a commission of inquiry into the housing situation at Diepsloot, saying the Gauteng government is dealing with the matter.
Department of Housing spokesperson Thabang Chiloane said the provincial housing department is compiling a report about the situation in the northern Johannesburg township.
”Minister Sisulu said she will decide what action to take once she has been given the report,” he said.
The Democratic Alliance said on Sunday Sisulu should ask President Thabo Mbeki to appoint a commission into the Diepsloot situation. — Sapa