Bloemfontein Courant was at the Brandwag Flats where the Mangaung Metro Municipality’s law enforcement (MMM) has launched a joint operation with assistance from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the department of Home Affairs’ immigration division, the South African National Defence Force(SANDF) and Centlec to ensure that residents of the flats are regularised and are in compliance with the regulations issued by MMM.
The 3 day program will ensure that illegal connections of water and electricity will be disconnected and that illegal foreign nationals will no longer be occupying the premises.
City Manager, Sello Moore confirmed that illegal connections of car washes has been disconnected as it is in contravention with MMM.
“These flats are government property that has been hijacked. Residents have been complaining that MMM is not providing services at the flats yet only 2% of the residents are in compliance with MMM and are paying what is due to MMM,” Moore mentioned.
Moore further confirmed that people who qualify to stay at the flats are part of the gap market who cannot afford housing and also do not qualify for RDPs.
It is further alleged that 3 illegal immigrants have been arrested and has been taken in for questioning as they are not registered to stay in South Africa.
“We are restarting this process so that we can accommodate those who qualify for the flats,” Moore concluded.
Abigail Visagie
