Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Hismajesty Maqhubu. See attached pictures here and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tokologo will submit an urgent request to the Free State Department of Human Settlements for a comprehensive structural assessment, a contractor accountability review, and an immediate repair plan for the dangerously cracked RDP homes in Dikgalaope, Dealesville. The DA will also push for those responsible for poor construction to be blacklisted, preventing future misuse of public funds.
The residents of Dikgalaope in Dealesville have raised their voices against a silent crisis that has plagued our community for over a decade.
The RDP houses built in 2011, which were meant to be symbols of dignity and progress, have become dangerous structures riddled with massive cracks, structural instability, and signs of premature decay.
These homes were constructed by contractors entrusted with public funds, who were responsible for delivering safe, durable shelter. Instead, what stands today is a testament to shoddy workmanship, lack of oversight, and disregard for the lives of vulnerable residents.
This is a community in crisis, with over 48% unemployment and no means to repair the damage. Families live in fear as walls crumble and ceilings threaten to collapse. These homes, once promised as havens, now resemble weapons of harm that are endangering children, the elderly, and entire households.
Public funds were used to enact these structures, yet public safety was ignored. Our spokesperson in the Department of Human Settlements will demand an urgent assessment of the structural integrity of these homes and a clear remediation plan from the legislature.
Housing is not a privilege but a constitutional right. The people of Dikgalaope deserve homes that protect, not endanger.
Furthermore, we demand that the municipal housing unit conduct immediate structural audits of all affected RDP houses in the area.
The Municipal Manager must provide a transparent report on contractor accountability while giving emergency support for families at risk. A long-term commitment to quality control in low-cost housing projects must be prioritised henceforth.
We will not be silent while our people live in homes that are falling apart. We will not accept neglect disguised as development. We stand united in demanding justice, dignity, and safe shelter for every resident of Tokologo.