Parkwood backyard dwellers say they've lost hope after being on housing list for more than 20 years
The families are living in corrugated iron and wood structures with no electricity or running water.
Parkwood, Cape Town. Picture: Google Maps
CAPE TOWN - Dozens of backyard dwellers living in Parkwood in Cape Town say they have lost hope after being on the housing waiting list for more than 20 years.
The families are living in corrugated iron and wood structures with no electricity or running water.
Housing officials say that a new project in the vicinity could solve the housing crisis in the community.
Elaine Nolter said that she's been a backyard dweller in Parkers Walk, Parkwood for 19 years.
Nolter said that she added her name to the housing waiting list 23 years ago.
"Their feedback is 'we're still on the waiting list from 1995, we're still busy with the 1995s'. Every time you go, 1995. Now when will that move on?"
Another backyard dweller, Benita Johnson, said that she'd given up hope after meeting with housing officials since 2005.
"Nobody's taking note of us. They keep a meeting. You go there. Yes, they take your name, your phone number. How long are you on the waiting list? Rah, rah, rah, rah, rah... Every time the same thing, so we don't go anymore."
The Western Cape government's department of infrastructure said that a housing project being planned in the neighbouring Ottery area is set to bring relief for the backyard dwellers.