George residents engage MP on housing waiting list matters

Dugmore said volunteers will now assist residents in submitting their complaints at the PCO (Parliamentary Constituency Office) at 108 Mitchell Street in George, as well as at the Gcaleka Internet Café in Tembalethu.

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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - ANC MP Cameron Dugmore has raised serious concerns about the housing waiting list in George following numerous complaints from residents over the past six months.

According to Dugmore, his Parliamentary Constituency Office (PCO) has been approached by many residents who allege that they have been on the municipal housing waiting list since as far back as 2001, yet are seeing houses allocated to beneficiaries who, they claim, have not waited nearly as long.

“These allegations point to a serious problem in the housing allocation process,” Dugmore said.

In response, a public meeting was held at the Lawaaikamp Community Centre on Wednesday 28 January, which drew more than 2 000 residents from communities across George. Due to the large turnout, it was not possible to record all individual complaints on the day.

VIDEO - MP Cameron Dugmore addressing George residents in Lawaaikamp Community Centre

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Dugmore said volunteers will now assist residents in submitting their complaints at the PCO (Parliamentary Constituency Office) at 108 Mitchell Street in George, as well as at the Gcaleka Internet Café in Tembalethu. This was done on Wednesday this week, with another chance to submit issues next week, on Wednesday 11 February.

He will compile a detailed report based on the submissions and submit it to national and provincial government, as well as George Municipality. A follow-up meeting will also be held, where housing officials from all spheres of government will be invited to address residents’ concerns.

“There is clearly a housing crisis in George, and it is my responsibility to try and assist,” Dugmore said. He thanked residents who attended the meeting and encouraged members of the public to visit his office to report their specific housing concerns.

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