The commission has launched a systemic investigation into the human rights impact of delayed development and upgrading of informal settlements in the province. The investigation will focus on access to basic services, delays in development and relocation plans, and the impact of prolonged informal settlement conditions on residents’ dignity, health and safety. 

The commission is expected to gather information from communities, municipalities and provincial departments, while also conducting inspections at selected settlements. Residents, community organisations and other interested parties have until Friday (30/10) to make submissions about access to basic services, government commitments and delays affecting their communities. 

The commission will consider these submissions alongside information from municipalities, provincial departments and inspections of selected informal settlements. The investigation will consider whether temporary or interim services provided to communities while they wait for development are sufficient.

‘The SAHRC is interested in how living conditions affect residents’ dignity’

“Through its work in the province, the commission has encountered concerns regarding the conditions in which residents of informal settlements live, including limited or inadequate access to water, sanitation, electricity, refuse removal, roads and other essential services,” it said in a statement. “In some instances, communities have remained in informal settlements for extended periods while awaiting development, upgrading or relocation.

“The commission is seeking information about access to water, sanitation, electricity, refuse removal, roads and other basic services, as well as services that are unavailable or inadequate and the impact on residents. Information is also sought on the adequacy of temporary services, government promises delays and reasons given for them, and whether communities have received clear information about when development may take place.

“The SAHRC is also interested in how living conditions affect residents’ dignity, health and safety, particularly children, older people, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Residents can provide information about difficulties accessing schools, healthcare and emergency services, community consultations with government and examples of successful informal settlement upgrades.”

The commission said information received from the public would be considered alongside information obtained from municipalities, provincial departments, site inspections and other relevant sources.

Written submissions can be emailed to smlombo@sahrc.org.za or delivered or posted to 25 Heystek Street, Rustenburg, North West. People or communities unable to make written submissions can contact the SAHRC’s North West provincial office on 063 728 8544 for information about alternative ways to participate.

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