Illegal occupation of DPWRI properties seeks urgent attention – DA Limpopo
MARBLE HALL – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has cited that attention is needed on the illegally occupied and neglected houses that belong to the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality.
The DA calls on the Limpopo MEC for the department, Nkakareng Rakgoale for an urgent attention on the matter.
According to the party, the poor state of the housing units has also been raised in numerous complaints from residents who claim that some are now drug dens.
Risham Maharaj, DA Limpopo spokesperson for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure said the illegal occupants are not paying rent and are also robbing the municipality of rates and taxes.
Maharaj further said that the units are overcrowded while some occupants have made illegal building alterations with some have erected structures to accommodate others.
“These houses are meant to be a source of much needed revenue for the department but are instead being left to deteriorate, be vandalized and illegally occupied,” added Maharaj.
The DA stated that it has written to Rakgoale to confirm if the department has an accurate asset register of all their properties and how it intends to mitigate vandalism and illegal occupation of its buildings in future.
“Furthermore, the department must explain if any rental agreements exist with the occupants and who is responsible for maintenance,” concluded Maharaj.
