RDP house nightmare, Moyeni family still waiting after years
STERKFONTEIN
The Moyeni family from Sterkfontein Village in Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) is facing a dire housing crisis, four years after their RDP house was approved.
The family of four is currently residing in an old dilapidated mud house that has been their home since the 1970s.
Despite approaching the local authorities for assistance, the family has been met with unclear responses and broken promises.
The authorities allegedly told them that the project was delayed due to “administrative issues,” but provided no further explanation.
“It is like living in a ticking time bomb. The roof is leaking, the walls are crumbling and collapsing piece by piece. We are afraid that the structure could collapse at any moment. We need a safe and secure home, but it seems like no one is listening,” said Bettie Moyeni.
The family’s situation has caught the attention of Herbert Radingoana, a PR Councillor in Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) representing the Bolsheviks Party of South Africa (BPSA). Radingoana stepped in to assist the family after concerned residents brought their plight to his attention.
“We are doing everything in our power to support the Moyeni family. It is unacceptable that they have been left in this situation for so long. We demand answers from the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) on why this project has been delayed for so long,” he said.
According to documents seen by our newspaper, the Department of Human Settlements approved the construction of the RDP house in 2021, but it has yet to be built.
The family is now fearing that they will be forced to spend another rainy season in their precarious living conditions.
“We are not just statistics or numbers. We are human beings who deserve dignity and respect. We urge the authorities to take immediate action to address our housing needs. We can’t take it anymore,” said Moyeni.
Before going to press, COGHSTA has been requested to comment on the matter, however, they said they needed enough time to investigate issue. . In a statement, the department said that they are investigating the matter and will provide an update soon.
The Moyeni family is among thousands of beneficiaries who were approved for RDP houses in the Elias Motsoaledi Municipality, but have yet to receive their homes.
The construction of RDP houses in the area has been plagued by delays and corruption allegations, with several contractors being accused of embezzling funds meant for the project.
The BPSA has called for an independent investigation into the matter, citing concerns about corruption and maladministration in the Department of Human Settlement.
