CHICKEN Farm residents in Kliptown, south of Joburg are not happy with the restructuring in the area, which will exclude foreigners.
Resident Kabelo Matlotlo told Daily Sun thata lot of residents were unhappy with the restructuring, which they thought was unfair.
“People have been living here for over 40 years, and they could now be excluded from any development in the area or get evicted,” he said.
Kabelo said they were aware that those who did not have documents would suffer the most.
“People have been to Home Affairs to get their papers in order but with no luck. Where will they go from here? Their whole lives are here, as well as their children’s lives.”
He said that it’s been four years since the Department of Human Settlements promised to restructure the area and give them equal stands.
He said they were told that all residents would benefit from the project, but things have changed and some would be sidelined. Another resident, Dimakatso Mphumnyane said she was frustrated.
“Yes, we are from Lesotho and don’t have documents. But we needed to create a life for ourselves in South Africa. We came here looking for jobs and quality education for our children. All I’m asking for is a stand, nothing more. Please don’t evict us,” she said.
MMC for Housing Mlungisi Mabaso said development in the area has been stopped by foreigners’ community leaders.
Mabaso said that it was unfortunately not up to him to decide who would remain in the area, but Home Affairs and law enforcement would take it up.
“People have been living here for some time without any improvement. That area has been recognised as an informal settlement and has to be provided with services.”
Mabaso said residents needed basic services such as water, electricity and sanitation while they waited for their houses.
“The project can’t be delayed any longer because it was supposed to be done by now. Therefore, various stakeholders will be visiting the area to provide services,” he said.
