Cogta Chairperson Aaron Motswana, in a scathing statement, condemned the wastage incurred during the construction of temporary structures for Khuma Hostel residents in the Matlosana Local Municipality, following a seismic event in that area.

Motswana says in 2016 the municipality and the Department were both directed to find solutions to relocate affected residents to permanent housing.

To date, however, the directive is yet to be implemented. Motswana adds that the department has already spent close to R18,5 million, and is planning to spend an additional R12 million.

Motswana says then Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa had directed the municipality and the Department of Human Settlement to quickly find solutions to relocate the residents.

“We, as the Portfolio Committee, denounce the use of vulnerability status of Khuma Hostel residents to reward the unquenchable thirst of unscrupulous people marauding as businesses at the expense of poor people. Instead of planning on the farm already bought by the department, the same department is quick to consider a third relocation of the same residents from four-roomed temporary shacks to cramp them in two-roomed concrete slabs," he adds.

Motswana in the scathing letter says "this step is deplorable and inhumane to advance the interests of business at the expense of vulnerable communities, and it defies and defeats the entire noble directives of the President in his resolve to intervene on the plight of vulnerable hostel residents".

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