Kroonstad - The Public Protector has heard that some Kroonstad residents have been waiting for RDP houses since 1990.

Thuli Madonsela concluded her three-day visit to the Free State Wednesday. She is visiting all provinces to discuss problems with RDP housing and minibus taxis.

In Kroonstad she also heard complaints about elderly applicants dying, and their descendants still waiting for the houses. Residents packed a local hall to tell Madonsela their concerns.

The mayor of the Moqhaka local municipality, Jihad Mohapi, told the meeting there were more than 10 000 housing applications in the area and enough land to build those houses.

However, he said the municipality first wanted to make sure it could supply water, sanitation and electricity to all these houses, before building commenced. In response, Madonsela said her office would work with the municipality and the provincial government to speed up the resolution of complaints.

Thursday, Madonsela will travel to North West where she will meet residents at the Klerksdorp City Hall.

Friday she will be in Mahikeng at the provincial legislature.

Sapa