Residents Seek Answers on Housing and Services

A meeting was held between residents of Mlungisi informal settlements and Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM) Executive Mayor Madoda Papiyana to discuss housing and access to basic services.

The meeting followed a march earlier in the week, during which residents petitioned the municipality for electricity, water, and sanitation in their informal settlements.

In response, Mayor Papiyana explained that there are multiple groups requesting housing, including backyard dwellers in Mlungisi. He said the municipality will begin housing allocations with residents of Komani, while residents from other areas are advised to approach their local councillors to register for housing in their respective areas.

Mayor Addresses Housing and Service Provision

During the meeting at the Thobi Kula Indoor Sport Centre, Mayor Madoda Papiyana outlined the municipality’s approach to providing housing and basic services in informal settlements.

He explained that electricity and other services will be provided to sites once housing allocations are approved and constructed.

“We have a project called the New Rathwick project, which will cater for 4,800 beneficiaries. After 14 days, we will work with the Department of Human Settlements and other relevant departments to allocate sites to those approved by the department,” Papiyana said.

The mayor added that residents will be allowed to construct their dwellings on approved sites, after which the municipality will provide services such as water, sanitation, and electricity.

He also noted that informal settlements in Ezibeleni and Rhawutini are scheduled for redevelopment.

Papiyana said residents born in Komani will be prioritised for housing allocations. He reminded attendees of the safety risks associated with illegal electricity connections and encouraged residents to follow proper procedures.

Residents Express Frustration During Meeting

Some residents expressed dissatisfaction with the meeting and said their concerns had not been fully addressed.

• Xolisa Mbaxa said residents had attended hoping to receive written responses to their petition.

• Baxolele Bango indicated that the meeting did not provide the clarity or answers they were seeking regarding housing and basic services.

Some residents raised concerns about fairness in housing allocations. One resident said they expected written responses to their petition rather than verbal explanations. Another resident, Baxolele Bango, expressed concern about residents from other areas being treated differently and emphasised that all South Africans living in Komani have a right to access housing.

Resident Happy Watson, from Joe Slovo, highlighted ongoing frustrations with the New Rathwick project, which has been in progress since 2018, noting that residents want clear communication and tangible progress on housing allocations.

The meeting concluded before all concerns were fully addressed. Some residents left the venue before the meeting officially ended and indicated that they plan to continue their advocacy and marches to seek responses from the municipality regarding housing and basic services.