A family in Inanda Township has been living in a crumbling house infested with rats and snakes since damage occurred during heavy rains in 2012. The mother of three children appealed to local officials for help with no response. She and her kids fear anything could come through a large hole in the bedroom wall and two children have health issues. A neighbor is considering making a complaint to human rights organizations about the poor living conditions. The local councilor acknowledges the situation but says his hands are tied and officials have visited three times with no solution yet.

1. 5/28/2015 “MY HOUSE IS CRUMBLING” | Journalismiziko
http://journalismiziko.dut.ac.za/current­affairs/my­house­is­crumbling/ 1/3
“MY HOUSE IS CRUMBLING”
News — 23 May 2015
By: Nhlanhla Mthembu
A family from Inanda Township that has been
living in a crumbling house that is infested
with rats is appealing to the government for
help.
“I’m tired of sharing my house with (a) snake
and rats,” said Nohlanhla Hlongwane.
Hlongwane, 42, said the house was
damaged during heavy rains in the year 2012
which left a gaping hole in the bedroom.
She added that since the damage, rats had come into the house and they had also found a snake.
The mother of three children, who are all under the age of 17, said she had reported the problem to the ward
councilor and Human Settlement Department officials in Durban and Phoenix.
“I pleaded with them to take us to a transit camp but until today we have not received any response. This house is
not safe for my kids and me. We sleep on couches and we are afraid that anything can (come) through the hole,”
she said.
Two of her children are said to be suffering from asthma while she has kidney problems and epilepsy.
Hlongwane’s neighbour Gcina Makoba said she was concerned about the family.
“I’m considering laying a complaint with the South African Human Right(s) Commission and Social Development
(Department),” she said.
Ward Councilor Siduduzo Khuzwayo said the house had been assessed.
“I am aware of the living conditions of the family but I cannot do anything as a councilor. The Phoenix Human
Settlement Department has visited the house three times and I am waiting (for) a response.”
He agreed that the family should be allocated alternative accommodation.
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