POLOKO TAU
L IVID Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has called for action to be taken against the authorities responsible for the “undignified” living conditions in Bramfischerville, Soweto, saying if the government is able to fire those who abuse public funds, it should do the same with local authorities.
Madonsela said this yesterday after a walkabout in Bramfischerville Phase 2, where she saw houses built on wetlands. At least one such house was abandoned after being flooded and buried up to the window level by soil during floods.
“It’s shocking and sad that the owner had to vacate his house and has not been given any alternative accommodation. Others complained of health risks, especially those who have experienced respiratory problems and diarrhoea due to the environment they live in,” Madonsela said.
“People here are a little bit despondent after complaining for many years, but I assure them now that their problem will be solved. When we speak on their behalf they get heard, and not only do they get heard, but we want accountability.”
Madonsela’s visit was prompted by local resident Hilton Masera, who approached the Public Protector’s Office to intervene after numerous unsuccessful complaints to the authorities.
“People have been living in Bramfischerville since 2000 and have constantly complained about many things. We approached the Public Protector’s office, hoping that we’ll get the attention of the authorities through it,” he said.
Among other things, Madonsela saw streets where raw sewage spilt from a blocked pipe, releasing an unbearable smell and attracting flies.
She also spoke to residents who were battling with water seeping through their walls and floors. Several houses were in danger of being swept away by water, with their slab or foundations exposed due to the ground wearing away.
Resident Justice Thebehadi, whose RDP house is built down a slope within 100m from a stream running across the township, wants to move.
“I can’t live like this. I can’t live in fear that my house can cave in at any minute,” he said.
“No houses were supposed to be built in this unstable ground, especially without any means to direct rain water, which often find its way into our homes because of lack of a stormwater system.”
Madonsela said those responsible for having these houses built in Bramfischerville, which is more than 10 years old, should be held accountable.
“We need to know what was the original plan and specifications and compare that against to what was delivered. This is a wetland and we need to know who surveyed it, why houses were built here and who approved the engineering plans,” she said.
“This is human indignity, and if we can fire people for abusing public funds, then we must fire them for hurting people’s feelings. I have heard that (City of Joburg mayor Parks) Tau will hold people accountable, and I want to hold him to his word.
“The City of Joburg must take action against those who did any wrong, find out who laid the pipes and who from the city approved their work,” Madonsela said.
She called on communities to take lessons from the residents of Bramfischerville by approaching her office for intervention and not go on protests.
“There is no need to protest and break things, because our feeling is that protests do not go to the bottom of a problem. Come to us and let us intervene or investigate and get your problems resolved,” she said.
Meanwhile, City of Joburg spokesman Nthatisi Modingoane said: “I have checked with the housing department and they have no knowledge of this visit by the public protector.
“However, the city has started with a project in Bramfischerville aimed at addressing stormwater challenges in the area as well as tarring of roads.”