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Occupants raise concerns over JOSHCO’s failure to support them

Published

11 months ago

May 31, 2023

Outraged JOSHCO occupants from the Dobsonville project made their grievances known to the Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, during the launch of the Lufhereng Social Housing Project in Soweto.

During the event, the residents staged a peaceful demonstration just a few metres away, holding up placards to express their dissatisfaction with the deplorable conditions in their JOSHCO (Johannesburg Social Housing Company) housing units. They highlighted issues such as poor maintenance, mould on ceilings, plumbing problems leading to water leaks, unsafe electrical wiring, and security concerns.

Faith Tsotesi, a committee member, emphasised the urgent need for the minister’s intervention, stating, “There are many issues, and that is why we concluded that the minister is the only one who can address this. When we talk to JOSHCO, they don’t have a sense of urgency. All the same promises they are making here were made to us three years ago, but what we see in our units is a real shame.”

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Lebo Setlhodi, another occupant and committee member, echoed these sentiments, particularly emphasising the safety risks faced by families with children living in the units. Setlhodi also expressed frustration with JOSHCO’s lack of follow-up after assigning architects to assess the units on multiple occasions.

“The plumbing system of the project is a dismal failure. JOSHCO sent architects last year who informed us about the dangers of the plumbing in our units. They then sent another person, but nothing happened after that. We want these issues to be addressed. Since we moved in, it has been one issue after another,” Setlhodi shared with Urban News.

The group welcomed the agreement to meet with officials from the minister’s office, the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), and JOSHCO in the upcoming week to address their concerns. Minister Kubayi assured the occupants that their grievances would be thoroughly investigated and addressed. Furthermore, she promised to request a report from the team involved in the meeting. Finally, she expressed her commitment to ensuring accountability if she found out if JOSHCO had violated any conditions.

The JOSHCO occupants’ protest and engagement with the minister demonstrate their determination to seek a resolution and improve their housing conditions. Their voices have reached the highest level of government, raising hopes for a positive outcome and the realisation of their rights to safe and adequate housing.

Source: Occupants call out JOSHCO for failing them

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