The municipal spokesperson, Sello Matsie, says at this stage they can only provide residents in informal settlements with basic services, which includes stand-up communal taps and bucket toilets and not the services required by the residents. This comes amidst service delivery protests this morning by Galeshewe residents calling for housing, toilets and other services at the Riemvasmaak informal settlement.

“We have a number of informal settlements. In some cases people went on to occupy land without following due processes, so what we have done as the municipality, as required by law, we have provided basic services. That particular area, Riemvasmaak, has not been surveyed and established as a township. Therefore, you cannot even plan for water and sanitation or whatever services.”

Matsie says they cannot provide the residents in this area with other services prior to proper planning and installation of underground infrastructure.

He says they have thus far spent almost R500 000 for underground infrastructure to install a storm water drainage system, sanitation, and electricity in Diamond Park before they could actually build houses and other infrastructure. 

He says Riemvasmaak is among several other informal settlements in the province that need to be budgeted and properly planned for in order to provide services such as electricity, water and flushing toilets. 

He adds that once planning is in place, residents should note that they will also have to pay for these services.

OFM News/Katleho Morapela