IFP worried over Midlands demolition
2013-01-15 20:46
Johannesburg - The Inkatha Freedom Party expressed concern over the proposed demolition of houses in the Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday.
"What concerns us most about the demolition is that no proper notice has been given to the people whose homes are about to be demolished," IFP spokesperson Petros Sithole said in a statement.
"Another grave concern is that government has not provided these soon-to-be homeless people with any alternative options for residences. They will be de facto destitute."
The proposed demolition would happen in the communities of Ambleton farm, Slangspruit and Thornville, he added.
Sithole said the demolitions would be carried out by municipalities without the necessary authority to do so.
"Only provinces have such authority."
The IFP called on the government to think carefully before proceeding with the demolition.
On Tuesday The Times reported that about 100 families would be left homeless if the demolition went ahead. The land was invaded five years ago and the people did not own the land or pay rates on their homes, the newspaper reported.
The housing department issued eviction letters stating low-cost housing would be built on the land, with the approval of the human settlements department.
In November, the Gauteng housing department demolished 50 houses in Lenasia.
The department said it was acting within the law because the houses were illegally built on government land.
The Times reported that the Midlands residents "feared another Lenasia".
- SAPA
