Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Marius Marais and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Sello Makoena.
– DA demands urgent provincial intervention on housing backlog.
– Only 12 RDP houses built in 32 years; severe overcrowding continues in Bakenpark.
– Residents’ concerns ignored, increasing frustration.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Dihlabeng will escalate the housing crisis in Bakenpark by tabling questions in Council, requesting urgent intervention from the Free State Department of Human Settlements, and pressing for a clear implementation plan to address the housing backlog. For many residents of Bakenpark, the dream of owning land and a home of their own remains nothing more than a pipe dream.
Over the past 32 years of democratic governance under the ANC-controlled Dihlabeng Local Municipality and the Free State Provincial Government, only twelve new RDP houses have been built in Bakenpark to address the housing backlog. While this development has made a positive contribution, it falls far short of addressing the community’s severe housing shortage.
Today, parents, children and grandchildren are forced to live together on the same property in overcrowded four-room houses. In an attempt to create additional living space, many residents erect informal structures, while those who can afford it build small brick dwellings on the same stand. It is not uncommon for as many as 9 people to live on a single property while sharing a single outside toilet. These living conditions are difficult, undignified and unsustainable.
Earlier this year, residents conducted a lawful and peaceful march to the municipality and submitted a memorandum to the Speaker outlining their concerns regarding housing and other service delivery issues. To date, the community has received no response to the memorandum and no indication that their concerns are being addressed.
This lack of action has resulted in growing frustration and a loss of confidence in both the municipality and the Free State Department of Human Settlements. Residents increasingly feel abandoned by the government, and some are now considering illegal land occupation out of desperation. Rather than providing solutions, the municipality has responded by threatening to arrest residents.
Both the Free State MEC for Human Settlements, Mr Saki Mokoena, and the municipality recently missed a valuable opportunity during a visit to the area, failing to engage meaningfully with residents about the housing crisis. Instead, the housing manager’s comments further inflamed tensions and deepened the community’s frustration.
We remain committed to addressing the housing backlog and ensuring that residents’ voices are heard at every level of government.