Families in Lamontville township, south of Durban, are calling for the EThekwini municipality to give them answers regarding unfinished RDP houses. Four years after they were removed from their land and promised houses, at least 30 families say are tired of waiting to be given houses.
Precious Mdaweni, one of the residents who have been expecting to be handed the keys to move to their new house, said the problem started when they had to move in November 2019. “We were supposed to move in, only to find dirt all over the floors and some doors were also damaged.”
She said they now live in a place where there is no electricity, water and sanitation.
“We have reported everything to EThekwini municipality, but they don't respond. The current councillor Nobubabalo Mthembu doesn't care about us even though she knows about our situation.”
Zinhle Mbanjwa said she is now worried about whether she will ever be allocated a house.
“We were promised new RDP houses. EThekwini municipality now says only 10 people from the list of 30 are going to be allocated new RDP houses. I blame them for not being fair as a municipality,” said Mbajwa.
Ward councillor, Nobubabalo Zondi Mthembu however said they still intend to give the residents their houses.
"The houses have owners and not being completed is not due to financial problems, and they will be handed over soon after their completion.”
