RESIDENTS say their dream of decent housing is turning into a nightmare.
This after alleged invaders forcibly occupied newly built RDP houses at Silahliwe in Ratanda, Heidelberg, Gauteng.
The development, officially known as the Obed Mthombeni Nkosi Housing Project, has become the centre of tension and fear, with residents claiming that some of the houses meant for qualifying beneficiaries have been taken over by people who never applied for them.
According to residents, the invasions often happen under the cover of darkness.
Gogo Thandkayo Mbele (61) said she has personally witnessed people arriving at night and breaking into the houses.
"They change the locks and use planks to seal the windows. It's shocking because the rightful owners are still waiting to be placed in these homes."
Another elderly resident, gogo Rose Nyandeni (72), said some of the alleged invaders have even marked the houses as a sign that they now belong to them.
"We are too scared to confront them when they arrive at night. The truth is that the rightful beneficiaries are losing out. Most of us were allocated houses in November, while others stood vacant. That's when these people took advantage," she said.
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Madala Thami Mbokazi (61) claimed the situation has escalated beyond illegal occupation, with vandalism now adding to residents' frustration.
"Some houses have been damaged. Water and electricity pipes were stolen. As a result, some geysers are not working and there are houses without water. Owners are forced to fetch water from neighbours," he said.
Terry-Ann Van Eck, Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Tasneem Motara's spokeswoman, said the department is aware of incidents involving vandalism and illegal occupation affecting some completed houses.
"The department is actively addressing these matters in collaboration with the appointed developer and relevant stakeholders," she said.
Van Eck emphasised that once houses are officially allocated and beneficiaries have been given possession, the properties legally become the responsibility of the individual beneficiaries.
She stated that the department takes vandalism and illegal occupation seriously and is working with relevant authorities to safeguard the project and ensure legitimate beneficiaries can occupy their homes.
"The department remains committed to delivering housing opportunities and ensuring that qualifying beneficiaries can access safe and secure housing," she added.
