Prime Minister hands over cracked house
SIKHUPHE – The Prime Minister, Sibusiso Dlamini yesterday handed over houses, one of which had cracks, to the people of this area.
The houses belong to the families who were relocated to make way for the new Sikhuphe airport. The premier handed over houses to 70 families. It could not be ascertained if other houses had cracks but most of the beneficiaries seemed not impressed with them, especially because they were aware of the cracks.
One of the visited newly built houses had visible cracks, much to the surprise of the high ranking government officials who had attended the handover. The cracks were visible on the walls and the floor. The premier together with other ministers who included that of Public Service Mtiti Fakudze, Public Works and Transport Ntuthuko Dlamini, Economic Planning and Development Prince Hlangusemphi and Jabulile Mashwama of Commerce, Industry and Trade got the opportunity of inspecting the houses.
Most of the people who entered the houses came out disappointed as the outside looked impressive while the same cannot be said about the inside. Dlamini did not say much as he went from house to house.
Most of the ministers spoke about the cracks in hushed tones, visibly disappointed.
While the PM, together with the ministers were inspecting the houses, some of the beneficiaries stood outside, patiently waiting to see as to what the ministers would say about the cracks. The premier did not talk about the cracks until he left.
The residents claimed that their worst fear was that the houses might fall as soon as the Sikhuphe Airport resumes its operation as big aircrafts would be using it. Simon Matsebula said although they were happy with all the promises that the PM made, they were not pleased with the state of the houses.
“These houses are not safe as you can see the cracks. I fear we might experience serious problems,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sonto Sibeko said she was hoping that the PM was going to give them an opportunity to tell him their fears.
“It is a pity that we did not get any opportunity to talk to him. The cracks that you saw in this house are nothing. There are other houses that have more cracks than this one. It is true that we need the houses but it becomes unfair when such happens to us,” she said.