There are lots of errors and dubious assumptions in this short article but the bottom line is clear – the flood is being misused, as the fire was in Jadhu Place, to force people off their land and into another of the dreaded transit camps.

Jika Joe dwellers on the move

The Mirror

May 14 2008

Sane Dhlamini

Inhabitants of the Ash Road informal settlement, known as Jike Joe, will be moved to a temporary establishment while the Msunduzi Municipality finds a permanent residential area for them. Over R4 million rand has been set aside for the project after many residents were displaced by floods at the beginning of the year.

Msunduzi Mayor, Zanele Hlatshwayo, Deputy Mayor, Mervyn Dirks, committee members, representatives from disaster management and Ward 33 councillor, Peter Green recently attended a sod-turning ceremony to commemorate the start of the move. Hlatshwayo said she is relieved that finally something is being done for the residents.

“For the first time these people have realised they are living in a dangerous zone. Once they are removed the dwellings will be demolished because we don’t need anyone here”, said Hlatshwayo.

Jika Joe community leader Bongani Mkhize said that everyone is pleased with developments.

“We have fought for a better life and it is unjust for the Municipality to move us to France. We want to be near the city so that we don’t have to pay bus and taxi fare. The cost of living has gone up. I hope that this project will continue until everyone is assisted”, said Mkhize.

The disaster management department’s Lucky Zimu said that there first priority was to remove the tent dwellers.

“This project has been successful because of the cooperation between the ward councillor from the Democratic Alliance and African National Congress community leaders. We have identified a few areas around the city, including Paton Street. The project is going to create more job opportunities because the residents will be employed. We are going to help in eradicating poverty within this community”, he said.

Ward 33 councillor Peter Green said that since he became a councillor in 2006 he has always had a vision to assist the informal settlement dwellers.

“I have informed committee members in the three informal settlements about the project and we are going to hold a meeting with the community to explain the procedure”, said Green.

He said after the move to temporary houses, they will be looking at building three or four-storey building.

“If people want houses, they should go to France because we don’t have space to build many houses in town”, said Green.