Mashatile vows to clean up hijacked buildings
Gauteng MEC of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Paul Mashatile, has expressed dismay at the state of some buildings in the Johannesburg CBD.
Mashatile paid a visit to the hijacked Johannesburg building that caught fire last week.
Mashatile strongly condemned illegal occupation and neglect of building, saying the practice breeds crime and grime.
"I am angered by the squalor that has gripped our cities and towns as these hijacked and neglected buildings are not only an eyesore but are a den for criminality.
"The state of this and other illegally occupied or neglected buildings is appalling and it is unfathomable that people can live in conditions were there is no running water, no lights and even more disgustingly, no ablution facilities."
Mashatile says he has directed the head of his department to establish a provincial task team to deal with the issue once and for all.
He says stern action will also be taken against those who hijack buildings.
Meanwhile, occupants of hijacked and neglected apartments who are being exploited by landlords or slumlords should report to the Gauteng Housing Rental Tribunal so appropriate action can be taken.
"I have directed our team to ensure that everyone is moved to the temporary shelter at Wembley Stadium without any undue delay," says Mashatile.
"Already the vast majority of women and children have been relocated and it is our intention that everyone who has been displaced by this calamity would be relocated shortly and they will also be provided with blankets and food in order to alleviate their situation."