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Residents living near the Westonaria Borwa Mega project in the West Rand District municipality are expressing outrage over the alleged illegal occupation of over 200 Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses.
According to the residents, these houses are being sold for R40,000 each, while thousands of eligible beneficiaries languish on waiting lists, some since 1996.
The Westonaria Borwa Mega project, aimed at delivering 16,000 housing units, has been marred by controversy and allegations of corruption.
Residents claim that individuals who have not followed the proper allocation process are occupying and selling these houses, denying rightful beneficiaries their chance at affordable housing.
In a statement, Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements Tasneem Motara, has condemned the illegal occupations, stating that her department has taken the matter to court and is awaiting a determination.
“There are people who have allocated themselves and stolen houses. This cannot be allowed to continue when there are pensioners and disabled people who have not been given their houses,” Motara said.
Over 200 RDP houses allegedly occupied by individuals not following the proper allocation process.
It is alleged that houses being sold for R40,000 each, denying rightful beneficiaries their chance at affordable housing.
Thousands of eligible beneficiaries waiting for RDP houses, some since 1996.
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has taken the matter to court to ensure fair resolution and protect rightful beneficiaries.
The department prioritizes elderly citizens, child-headed households, persons with disabilities, and the most destitute families in allocating houses.
The residents of Westonaria Borwa are demanding action from the government to address the issue and ensure that the RDP houses are allocated to those who genuinely need them.
The Gauteng government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering housing to those most in need, while condemning illegal occupations and allocations.
