BVM explains housing problem
Dominique Jeftha Last week Standard published an article in which some of the opposition parties voiced their concern about the current housing problem in Worcester.
The Breede Valley Municipality (BVM) has answered some questions surrounding the current housing situation.
On the question of whether the municipality knows how many people live in illegal structures, the BVM says that it does not really know how many people in Worcester are currently living in illegal structures.
According to the BVM, there are five illegal structures in Worcester West, twelve in Langerug and +- one thousand illegal structures in New Mandela Emagwaleni. These are currently the only recognised “illegal” structures.
Furthermore, the municipality adds, that only the people living in illegal structures in Langerug and Worcester West are earmarked for relocation.
“The number of people fluctuates, therefore we are unable to confirm,” adds the BVM.
Regarding the area next to the Roodewal flats known as “Bloedrivier” which is built under electrical wires, the BVM says that the area is “recognised as an informal settlement despite the location and other challenges, therefore it is not considered to be illegal”.
“The original structures have been marked with unique numbers. There are no new structures as the area is considered to have exceeded its capacity,” says the BVM.
When asked if people living in these structures will be moved to the new Transhex housing project the municipality explains that “the Transhex housing project is reserved for formal housing only, therefore all beneficiaries must fulfil the housing allocation criteria to be moved.
“Many interventions have been undertaken with Eskom to mitigate the risks, however, the municipality needs more land to relocate the areas that are deemed to be unsafe,” adds the municipality.