POOR HOUSING INFRUSTRUCTURE

In my research after

angloplatinum handed over houses to sterkwater community since from the 09/07/2001 ,I observed this problematic daily issues..

The residents of this community are grossly dissatisfied with the manner in which the housing

plan and constructions implimented.As foundations are exposed to soil erosion ,especialy apron

surrounding the round house.Most of the community members are experiencing severe cracks in the main structures[wall and floor].Some of the houses are not properly plastered internaly.

Bugwash type of plaster is used .Worse of all plastering is pealing off easly,you cannot even put

a nail on the wall.

In my research i found that angloplatinum claims that the housing offered to the residents are much unique than that what they had before relocation .But the residents claims that the typical

houses [they had been offered did not match up to the promises that had been made by angloplatinum during the audit process]built are poorly that they crack and they believe materials used in the project are not comply with the SOUTH AFRICAN BEREU OF STANDARD[s.a.b.s].

During my observation i found that electricity installation is such that one should take over by

wiring each and every room,because only meter and distributoin boxes are only suplied in most

houses.These are only few to mention,others are reserved.

With my opinion ,if angloplatinum believes that these houses are of latest standard then they are

challenging building society knwoledge and techniques,because i dont see any uniqueness of

housing infrustructure in this community of Gapilasterkwater

BY DANIEL MAPHOTO

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UNMAINTAINED SEWAGE SYSTEM

SEWAGE SYSTEM is made , but it runs like overflowing dam to feed the natural resource with its rotting basic unit of life.

During my fieldwork ,i observed not considered spot in Ga-pilaSterkwater in mokopane,which were relocated since 2001 by angloplatinum for purpose of making its forebears land available for mining operation ,were the total neglect of the basic infrastructure for the provition of services of standard water and more especialy sanitation.

IT is nine yeas period ,since residents of this community settled here,but the sewage system made available west of this village less than one kilometre, is not secured and safe,as i saw bythe footprint of the remaining few fence tropols(poles) that the surrounding fence was there.No gates and signs.

On the 15 march 2010 during my sitetrack i noticed that thee formed stream with green thorns by this overflowing rotten bad odour water from unmaintained sewage system ,compel Mogalakwena river with this mess.I met young man after his livestock who complaning about this sewage system condition,As their livestock drink this rotten water of which they seems to be in high risk condition as they grace around.To an extend this man said ''he saw oftenly children playing next to the sewage system banks and he used to chase them away as this is not save and healthy environment to them.

I experienced that this sewage system is not only harzad in general,but it waste a lot litres of water every seconds,whereas our government singing a song of this phrase ''OUR COUNTRY IS A WATER SHORTAGE''.

Although this community claim that the mine have initialy provided and paid for the infrastructure,but there is no firm commitment to operate and maintain such infrastructure.

With my perspectives ,the mine as a matter of urgency must take the operation and maintenance of this basic infrastructure of this victim relocated community of Ga-pila/sterkwater while negotiations are under way to determine the competent authority with extreme knowledge and consent of the entire community resolutions.

By DANIEL''mdanzo''MAPHOTO