Montrose now a ‘certified danger zone'
The Montrose Mega City Development has become a 'death trap' for residents, according to Evert du Plessis, Member of the Provincial Legislature and DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Human Settlements.
His sharp criticism follows the tragic collapse of a structure at the site on May 5, which claimed one life.
• Also read: One dead in Montrose building collapse
In a statement released on May 7, Du Plessis stated that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, have blood on their hands and need to answer for it.
'Instead of hiring a competent developer, Lesufi's government chose an incompetent company that has failed to deliver and is now holding this R11b project to ransom. Sadly, the residents face the consequences of the developers' and politicians' actions.
An urgent investigation must be launched into this tragic incident, and those responsible must be held accountable regardless of their position in the power structure,' said Du Plessis.
He continued the project remains unfinished despite having cost over R467m of taxpayer money since it began. He attributed this to a dispute between the the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and the developer of the project which has now left the site 'a certified danger zone'.
'Rather than providing relief to the thousands of residents in Randfontein, who are currently enduring inhumane and undignified living conditions, the project highlights the Gauteng government's tragic failure to deliver adequate housing.'
He noted the DA has warned that if housing projects are left abandoned, they will be occupied illegally and vandalised by those with criminal intentions.
Our caution fell on the deaf ears of an arrogant government, and now these projects are facing invasions and vandalism, which will undoubtedly lead to higher repair costs,' he stated.
'The DA Gauteng offers its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased in the Montrose tragedies,' Du Plessis concluded.
Rand West City Local Municipality spokesperson Phillip Montshiwa declined to comment on the project, directing inquiries to the provincial government. Despite efforts to reach the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and the project developer, no response had been received at the time of publication.
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