A number of incomplete Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses in Osindisweni, just outside Verulam have left residents puzzled about the municipality’s consideration of their well-being.
The RDP houses were allocated for residents of Osindisweni who are patiently waiting, while some have died without receiving the keys to their home. Rita Ngcobo, 53, said she has lived in Osindisweni all her life and that her family built their home out of wood and iron and later managed to reinforce the walls with concrete. Ngcobo’s grandmother applied for an RDP house, over 20 years ago and the family is yet to receive house. “We were told at community meetings that everyone working in Oakford will receive two houses each. Other people have received two houses but we are still waiting.”
Ngcobo said she is disappointed with the ruling party. “The African National Congress (ANC) is not good for us. They don’t fulfill their promises. There are people living here who haven’t even applied for these houses. We’ve been living here for generations but we don’t know the people living in the new RDP houses, yet those houses were supposed to be for us.” With the local government elections getting closer Ngcobo, who was a strong supporter of the ANC believes it’s time for change. “The ANC has let us down. Every time I go to collect my grant they ask me so many questions. They even ask if I voted ANC. If I say no they won’t help me.”
Thulani Dlamini, another resident living in the area, said he was promised the same as Ngcobo and wonders how people can be left homeless when government has the resources to provide homes. “The incomplete RDP houses makes me very sad. Many people don’t have homes, yet these house remain incomplete. It’s been so many years that we applied for these houses and we are still waiting.” Councillor Chris Langa said the project started in 2008 and that it is far from complete. “Nothing is happening and the municipality keeps saying they don’t have money. According to the municipality they have paid for the work to be done but many people are still left homeless. There are over 1 000 people on the waiting list to receive these houses.” He said there are over 800 incomplete RDP houses in and around the area. The eThekwini Municipality had yet to respond to questions asked about the reasons behind the delays in completing the housing project.
