By Theodorah waga Mawasha
KGAPANE-The issue of illegal land grabs has become a thorny issue across the country, placing immense financial burdens on municipalities. Thus, municipalities must uphold the Constitution when dealing with unlawful occupiers.
A group of people have invaded a piece of land in extensions 11 and 12, Ga-Kgapane. The invasion is said to have been fueled by the slow progress in the provision of houses according to one EFF member who spoke to Tzaneen Voice anonymously.
He confirmed that the invasions were instituted by the party to push the municipality to fast-track housing allocation.
“EFF is responsible for administering the allocation of the stands at extension 11. This was done to push the municipality to provide a residential area for the youth of our community”, he said.
Challenges of water shortage, electricity and service delivery have been brought to the fore by the occupiers.
“The municipality is overlooking us. We are forced to make illegal electricity and water connections because of their incompetence” Montsha Letsoalo added.
It is alleged that there is an illegal water connection from Kgapane Hospital’s main line which has resulted in the blockage of the facility’s drainage system and water supply, hence, the hospital has not had running water for some time.
Amid these challenges, litigation was allegedly brought forward against the municipality by the private property owners who are unknown at this stage.
The municipality’s spokesperson Lovers Maenetje was contacted to comment, however, no response has been forthcoming.
