Gwamanda promises services to fed-up Diepkloof Hostel residents

The mayor, along with MMCs and city officials, went on a walkabout with residents who wanted him to see the conditions under which they live.

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Gwamanda described the experience as ‘disheartening’, adding that the dilapidated structures were a danger as they would not be able to withstand natural disasters such as floods and the recent earthquake.

“With the growing cases of disaster happening in South Africa and Johannesburg in particular, the structures are caving in.

“I’ve come to realise that even the basic services that our communities are entitled to are non-existent.”

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Residents complained about poor sanitation, overcrowding, and a lack of water and electricity.

Community leader Sibongiseni Khoza said while they welcome the interventions from the city, they no longer want the mobile toilets.

He said they also wanted houses.

Council approved the city’s R80 billion budget earlier this month, wherein money has been set aside to address the refurbishment of hostels.

However, he said some of the residents’ requests were beyond the ambit of the local government, but he would be speaking with Premier Panyaza Lesufi to address these.

“In as far as the other pressing matters that are in relation to the housing backlog and the refurbishment of the structures themselves, is a discussion that needs to be taken on a level of inter-governmental relations.

“Some of the residents that are required here are not within the ambit of the city to respond to. However, by virtue of us having rekindled those relations, it would assist a great for us to tailor a comprehensive approach and response that will bring long-term solutions to a long-standing challenge.”

The community has given Premier Lesufi until 11 July to visit them, while city officials have promised work on the electricity and water services will begin on Monday.

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