Ministers visit Mbhekweni Klapmuts community

Lauren Snyders 20 July 2012

Today the residents of Mbekweni and Klapmuts in Paarl had a follow-up visit by government officials to their grievances.

The Deputy Minister of the Presidency Obed Bapela lead a delegation consisting of the Western Cape MEC for Human Settlements Bonginkosi Madikizela, Deputy Minister of Sports and Recreation Gert Oosthuizen, Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi, Drankenstein Mayor Gesie van Deventer and the local ward councillor of Mbekweni.

The delegation proceeded to engage with local community members by visiting various homes.

One resident Katrina Paulsen explained that she feels good that the ministers fulfilled their pledge to visit the community.

Paulsen lives in a two bedroom house with nine other family members including her husband and children.

She said her only grievance is the fact that the house which they stay in is too small.

Paulsen said it’s going to be a long time until her children sleep on their own beds.

Another resident Ntombozuko Chitha said she was very pleased with the visit by the ministers.

She added that she was satisfied with her house.

Bapela said problems with some of the houses have been sent to them.

He added that complaint was spotted by Human Settlements Mec in the Western Cape Bonginkosi Madikizela, that the roof's of the houses are short at the end.

When rainfall occurs, the water run onto the windows and slowly run into the house.

Bapela explained to residents that they were informed about 300 leaking houses and that the figure could be more.

Residents were also addressed at the Thusong Service Centre and the Mbekweni Community Sports Centre.