Rietvale houses slowly sinking

by Andrew Louw – DA Northern Cape Premier Candidate

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Date: 05 March 2019

Release: Immediate

The Democratic Alliance in the Northern Cape is calling on COGHSTA MEC, Bentley Vass to urgently intervene in the housing crisis in Ritchie, where two streets of municipal houses are slowly being submerged by a mixture of seeping water and sewage from old pipelines.

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For years, residents from Suiderkruis in Rietvale, who are predominantly pensioners, have been complaining to Sol Plaatje municipality about their homes being swallowed whole.

The homes in question were built on a connection of water and sewerage pipelines many years ago, that have since started leaking. The ground thus remains wet due to seepage. In effect, houses stay moist, paint peels off the walls, structures are eroding, and rising water levels make it appear as if the foundations are sinking.

Residents have no choice but to struggle forth in these inhumane conditions, as none of them can afford alternative accommodation. They must therefore put up with the smell of mold, walk on wet cement, and insulate furniture in an attempt to prevent it from rotting.

It is, however, becoming increasingly difficult for residents living in these dank and unhygienic conditions, to keep their heads above water.

While Sol Plaatje municipality committed to relocate the affected residents to safer ground at least five years ago, nothing has been done since then to ease the daily struggles faced by the residents.

Elderly and sickly occupants of homes in this area have had it with these empty promises from the failing and uncaring ANC.

A DA-led government will not turn a blind eye to the plight of the Rietvale residents, who currently live in unsafe conditions, as sponsored by the municipality.

A DA government would provide more housing options to Rietvale residents. Aside from ensuring efficient service delivery, especially with regards to water and sanitation, which could provide short term relief, we would also grant people more choice when it comes to housing, such as offering housing vouchers for residents to build or buy their own homes.

Only change under a DA-led government will prioritize safe and dignified living spaces.

You can download the pictures here, here, here and here.

Media Enquiries

Andrew Louw

DA Northern Cape Premier Candidate

082 383 6914

Shelley De Witt

Researcher

082 847 1387