Dying diggers of Namaqualand need saving
| by Christopher Phiri – DA Caucus Leader, Sol Plaatje Municipality |
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| Date: 31 July 2019 |
| Release: Immediate |
| The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for an investigation into the housing unit of Sol Plaatje municipality, following serious allegations of irregularities in the allocation of rental housing.In the latest incident, a single councillor, Gladys Phillipus, is alleged to have allocated not just one, but three flats to herself. The flats in Roodepan, Kimberley, are apparently located at Alice Court, Barbara Court and Annelize Court respectively.Phillipus is said to be living in one flat, while she is believed to have furniture stored in another and curtains hanging in the third. She was recently also seen personally changing the locks on one of the flats.Aside from allegations that she is benefitting unduly from the municipal flats, intended for the poor and elderly, Phillipus also has an overdue municipal account of R48 000, which has been outstanding for more than 90 days. She also makes erratic payments of R400, for the rental accommodation leased to her. The DA is in possession of proof to this effect.It is unconscionable that councillors could deem it appropriate to place themselves above the needs of the thousands of citizens in need of adequate housing.One such case, is that of a young woman, also residing in Roodepan, who lives in a single garage with her 19-year old daughter and her 13-year old son. Surely one of the flats that Phillipus has allegedly allocated to herself, could better serve this struggling family?Corruption within the housing unit at Sol Plaatje is believed to be rife. In this regard, the DA is investigating a similar situation at Beaconsfield flats, where a single resident is believed to have two flats, one which is used as an office.The DA will table a motion at the upcoming Council meeting scheduled for next week, requesting an investigation into irregularities within the housing unit, as we strongly suspect that the practise of bribes for housing remains rampant within this unit.Should Phillipus be found guilty of allocating herself three municipal flats, she will be in direct breach of the Code of Conduct for Councillors. She will also have violated the Municipal Systems Act, in terms of pursuing matters for her own personal gain.If this is the case, the DA will call for her immediate suspension.The DA will not tolerate a situation whereby politicians place themselves above the needs of the people. There can be no denying that the housing need in the province is great and that public representatives should be coming up with solutions, not aggravating the problem. |
| Media Enquiries |
| Christopher PhiriDA Caucus Leader, Sol Plaatje Municipality078 740 9930 Shelley De WittResearcher082 847 1387 |
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