The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the West Rand District Municipality is urgently calling on the Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements and the National Minister of Human Settlements to intervene in the appalling living conditions faced by residents of hostels in the region.
The plight of hostels such as Mohlakeng Hostel (Mandala), Bekkersdal Hostel and Khutsong hostel are nothing short of disgraceful. They pose serious health and safety risks to their residents.
The DA demands the following action to be taken to address this gross state of affairs:
- Immediate inspection and assessment of all hostels in the West Rand;
- Emergency repairs to restore basic services;
- A clear and transparent timeline for the promised redevelopment; and
- Accountability from both provincial and national departments.
There continues to be a complete lack of basic services and infrastructure which includes no proper sanitation, functioning toilets and waste collection.
Crumbing walls, collapsing roofs and uncontrolled water leaks also illustrate the decay that is so pervasive in these hostels.
That people are inhabiting these horrifying hostels is inhumane and demoralising.
Despite multiple reports alerting the municipality of the situation, there maintains a persistent unresponsiveness.
In 2022, former MEC Lebohang Maile publicly committed to rebuilding these hostels and restoring dignity to their residents. To date, no progress has been made, another evident failure of the municipality to keep their word.
No person should be subjected to these conditions. The government must act now. These hostels are not homes—they are neglected structures that have become symbols of broken promises.
The DA will continue to advocate for the rights of hostel residents and will not rest until every citizen is afforded the dignity of safe and liveable housing.