Wentworth residents pin hopes on new council for housing crisis
Residents say they have been forgotten for more than two decades as their housing conditions worsen.
In the south of Durban, residents of Wentworth are eagerly anticipating a new council to address the ongoing housing crisis that has plagued their community for over two decades. Political parties are currently negotiating a new administration in eThekwini, after no single party secured a majority in the recent local government elections.
For years, residents of Wentworth have lived in substandard conditions, with deteriorating housing that includes crumbling walls, exposed electrical wiring, leaking roofs, and broken plumbing. Community activist Jennifer Slinger explains that despite numerous votes aimed at improving living conditions, their pleas have gone unheeded. The failure of previous refurbishment attempts further fuels their frustration.
Kelvin Kinsey highlights that the municipality attempted renovations on Major Calvert Street in 2021, but the subpar workmanship and materials have since become apparent. The effects of these poor conditions extend beyond the residents themselves, impacting the health of their children as well.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the new administration, residents insist that the housing crisis must be a top priority. They are not seeking mere assurances but rather immediate action to repair their homes and enhance their living conditions.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
