City brings temporary relief measures to victims of demolition
MARLBORO – The community had requested the City for 12 toilets to cater for the 698 houses in the village.
MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Service Nico de Jager delivered ablution facilities to the community of Maponyane Village in Marlboro following the demolition of houses in May.
De Jager was accompanied by Joburg Water officials when he handed over eight temporary ablution facilities to the distraught community that allegedly used the fields and nearby Juskei River to relieve themselves. The Red Ants Security demolished 163 structures that were allegedly built adjacent to the Marlboro Gautrain rail bridge near the station.
De Jager said, “My first responsibility is the environment. If people cannot do their business in the toilet where will they be doing it? Why should people not have the dignity of a decent toilet? This is not a permanent solution. Often in our department, we are requested to find a technical solution to a social problem. Although there is no housing yet, it is my responsibility to provide temporary solutions and protect the environment.”
While Mayor Herman Mashaba had promised the residents to rebuild their demolished houses, some are already rebuilding the structures. EFF Ward 109 PR councillor Washington Maponyane said that although the City had not provided the number of toilets they had requested, they were happy that it delivered to their plea.
Maponyane said they had requested the City for 12 toilets to cater for the 698 houses in the village which lacked sanitation facilities. “Eight is better than nothing. People will now have decent toilets to use which will also restore their dignity as human beings,” said Maponyane.
Furthermore, Maponyane said they had identified 48 families that were left destitute after the demolition of houses. “We have asked families in the community to accommodate them. The City has not provided alternative accommodation for those who lost their houses. We have been engaging with the mayor and he has given us options to chose from as part of the solution to the matter.”
In conclusion, De Jager requested community members to take care of the facilities and their environment.
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