Snake Park residents in Soweto are angry over their RDPs which were built on wet land. They
are currently experiencing house cracking and crumbling because of water and floods.
Another issue is that their title deeds have been delayed since they were given those houses.
One of Snake Park resident Nkosinathi Khumalo said he was happy when the government gave him
a house after more than 15 years staying in the shack.
“It was like a dream coming true but now I am disappointed as the house was built on a wet land.
When there is a strong wind, roofs blow off and the walls are damaged by water. It is like we were
just being dumped here because we have been suffering since”, said Khumalo.
Project Manager from Gauteng Department of Human Settlements Edward Makwarela said from
the day residents get allocated into their houses, they are given 90 days to sign ‘happy letter’,
which confirms that they are satisfied with the quality of a property.
“If there are any issues, they must refer them to the National Home Builders Registration
Council for repairs. Snake Park homes were part of the government’s People Housing Programme,
whereby communities are involved in building the properties. The cause of these cracking and
crumbling houses might be poor workmanship. Maybe the community builders were not well
equipped with construction skills. As for title deeds, they are delayed because there are no roads
in Snake Park, so delivery is not easy. However, water, electricity and sanitation are already
available in this township”, said Makwarela.
Some residents said they want to repair their homes but they cannot afford to. Another issue is
that they do not have title deeds. Makwarela said they have waited long enough for title deeds,
which they could use to get loans from banks so that their house can be fixed.
“If we had title deeds, we would know that we are permanent in these houses then fix them when
we afford”, he added.
Soweto residents angry over RDPs built on wet land
