FAMILIES who have been affected by sinkholes now live in a better environment and on permanent stands.
The City of Tshwane said six families were moved to Orchards extension 110 in Akasia, Tshwane as their shacks were in sinkhole-infested areas in Jeffsville, Atteridgeville.
On Monday, 8 May, Daily Sun published the story, headlined: PICS: Why kasi residents live in FEAR!
According to the excited families, the city has answered their prayers as they were afraid and scared that the sinkholes would swallow them.
Beneficiary Khethiwe Mayaba (56) said she never expected to get a better home after she had lived in the area since 1996.
"I'm happy that my family and I have finally received a better place," she said.
Khethiwe, who has erected a shack in her new place, said the area is better, and now she can start building a proper house if she has money.
She said she hopes that all those who are left behind will also be moved to better stands.
Another beneficiary, Gladys Seromola (62), said she is thankful for her new place.
"I didn't have peace at Jeffsville because something bad would have happened to us," she said.
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"We will adapt to the new place as we have new friends and neighbours," she said.
City of Tshwane spokesman Lindela Mashigo said the residents who complained about their shacks being on top of sinkholes have now been moved by the city's Human Settlements Department to permanent stands at proposed Orchards Extension 110.
"As of Sunday, 11 June, the City can confirm that six affected families were relocated to permanent stands at the said location. However, four beneficiaries refused to be relocated from Matlejoane informal settlement. They refused because the proposed Orchards Extension 110 is far from Matlejoane informal settlement and they said want to be relocated to Fort West," he said.
"It must be noted that the City will be indemnified for anything that can happen to the said four beneficiaries who refused to be relocated."
