A R90 million housing project in Langa is in shambles as the houses, which are yet to be occupied, are being vandalised, with sinks, bath tubs, doors and electrical cables stripped.
The Mau Mau housing project is expected to provide housing to 434 beneficiaries.
Community activist Thulani Phike says: “People have long asked to be moved in so they can protect their homes.
“The houses are being vandalised and some people forcefully moved into their homes because they could not continue watching their precious homes being destroyed.”
STRIPPED: Basin, toilet cistern and plumbing removed from bathroom
Last October, Mayor Dan Plato, Human Settlements Mayco Member Malusi Booi, Ward 37 Councillor Luyanda Nyingwa, Miranda Ngculu, Sub-Council 14 chairperson Thandi Makasi, and other dignitaries made their way to Sibeni Street in Mau Mau to cut the ribbon and hand over the keys to some of the beneficiaries,
But barely a month later, the project ground to a halt after workers were not paid.
“There are many irregularities with this project,” claims Thulani.
INSPECTION: Community activist Thulani Phike at Mau Mau project
“The construction company is not from here, the City tried moving in their people who do not stay here and the project is going for three years now.
“Surely we should be growing trees now, not fighting off vandals, and we are calling for people to be moved in.”
Mzwakhe Cekiso moved into a house with his wife and two children after seeing his name on the beneficiaries list.
“I came here and I found a door, bathtub and a sink stolen. There is no electricity, so I have to go back to the informal settlements to cook then come back here,” he explains.
BENEFICIARY: Mzwakhe Cekiso
But Councillor Malusi Booi says it’s not the City’s problem: “The City is aware of the vandalism; however, the sites are under the control and management of the contractors who must accept responsibility.
“All units will be repaired prior to handover. The contractors will be responsible for the repairs.”
Booi says the delays are due to the slow completion of the electrical reticulation.
“These delays have now, however, been resolved and work on the electrical reticulation can commence again after lockdown.
“Houses can be handed over shortly after that.”