Residents of municipal flats in Gugulethu, South Africa, are living in deteriorating conditions, with sewage problems affecting several blocks. The affected buildings include Dura Flats and Nobantu, where residents have reported poor conditions, and Dairy Belle hostel, where residents have allegedly been without functioning toilets for years. This has resulted in residents being forced to use toilets in neighboring areas, including at night.
The Nobantu hostel, with an estimated 300 residents in 120 rooms, has been particularly affected. Residents have repeatedly asked the municipality to fix the conditions, which they describe as inhumane. Mtshutshisi Lise, chairperson of the Nobantu hostel, described the living conditions as unacceptable, with sewage and broken toilets being major concerns. He stated that despite numerous complaints, the situation remains unchanged.
Residents at the Dairy Belle hostel have also been struggling with a lack of functioning toilets. Ondela Mkhiva stated that residents have to rely on facilities at nearby New Rest, creating difficulties, especially for families with children. The problems extend beyond sanitation, with residents at Dura hostel raising concerns about uncovered drains and a child's alleged drowning two years ago.
Residents have reported the problems to the City of Cape Town, but have not seen the promised improvements. Mziyanda Mnqwazi, a resident of Dura hostel, stated that everything is broken, including windows and toilets, and that the roof is leaking in the whole hall. He also raised concerns about rats and the health of children living in the hostel.
Another resident, identified only as Rudzani, accused the City of carrying out partial repairs, leaving other sections of the hostel in poor condition. He also alleged that a child drowned in a drain at the hostel two years ago and that some drains remain uncovered.
The City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim, stated that repairs and upgrades are under way at several hostel facilities across the metro, including blocks in the Gugulethu area. However, he noted that the broader upgrade program remains dependent on funding from provincial and national government.
The City's proposed Hostel Transformation Programme aims to improve living conditions and the residential environment for existing residents. However, implementation depends on securing the necessary funding, and Pophaim stated that discussions with provincial and national departments are ongoing.
Key points
- Residents of Gugulethu hostels face years of unsanitary conditions
- City of Cape Town struggles to address hostel upgrade funding
- Hostel Transformation Programme proposed to improve living conditions
