Drama unfolds as Ramaphosa residents refuse to move
Residents claim that they were notified late about the relocation.
A total of 84 residents from Ramaphosa in Extension One were told last week to move their shacks to another area so that the municipality can install new sewerage pipes.
Residents have since refused to move.
According to residents they were given two days, June 2 and 3, to move their shacks and furniture to the new piece of land around Ramaphosa called “KwaMagwaza”.
Community leader Sonnyboy Senala said residents prefer to move their shacks to allow workers to continue with their work but not to relocate to a new place.
According to Silent Kgaphola, there’s a hidden agenda to what they are being told.
“Residents want permanent stands. They don’t want to be moved to a place where still they will have to live in shacks with no electricity, water and toilets.”
Senala claimed that they were told that if residents don’t want to move the metro will have no choice but to call in Red Ants to forcefully remove them.
Residents are also complaining that they were not told to apply for possible jobs since the development will be taking place in their area.
They also claim that at the newly proposed land a gas pipe will pose health risks to them and their children.
Kgaphola said they have sent a petition to the Human Settlements MMC Lesiba Mpya and the councillor to try and resolve the issue but they haven’t heard any response.
One resident, who has been living in Ramaphosa Extension One for more than 10 years, said the municipality doesn’t care about their feelings. All they do is just push them around.
Another resident, Margret Mabuela, said she won’t move because her child is in Grade 11 and they are writing exams so to move the child to another area will affect him.
“What will happen, if in the process of moving, my child’s books get misplaced or get lost?” Mabuela said.
According to Isaac Magalanyane, another community leader, the residents were told in a previous meeting that they will be moved to “KwaMagwaza” and they agreed.
“Only 84 people will be moved from Extension One to allow the contractors to install the sewerage pipe.
“People knew when they started living here that there’s going to be a development of installing pipes.
“I’m amazed to hear them saying that they are refusing because they agreed during the meeting. In the meeting, it was also revealed that the metro will provide transport to the shacks.”
Ward 42 councillor Eva Mgcwama said on Thursday, May 31 she called a public meeting where she addressed the metro’s plans.
“Everyone in the meeting agreed to move. There are certain individuals who are influencing the residents not to move.
“The municipality won’t move people to a place where there is no water or toilets,” Mgcwama said.
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