PRETORIA — The escalating Ga-Rankuwa wetland housing crisis in Pretoria has left dozens of families living in flooded RDP homes, exposing residents to severe health risks and deteriorating living conditions. For years, households in Zone 4, located north of the city, have battled constant waterlogging, persistent dampness, and failing drainage infrastructure that have turned their neighborhood into a hazardous environment.
A Battle for Survival in Waterlogged Homes
At the center of the crisis are elderly residents who have been forced to endure these conditions for six years. A 77-year-old resident and her 88-year-old husband live in a government-subsidized RDP house built directly on a wetland. Instead of enjoying a comfortable retirement, the couple is battling severe health decline exacerbated by the harsh, waterlogged environment.
The 77-year-old woman stated that the persistent flooding has made daily survival a struggle. “In here we are all sick because of this water. This water gets in the house. So it is really hard. We are always sick,” she said. She noted that the couple has repeatedly petitioned the mayor for intervention without success. “We are always asking the mayor to come here at my house and see what’s happening because we are not getting any help. My husband doesn’t even wake up. He can’t even stand up because of this water. We are all sick. No one is actually better.”
Other residents echo these sentiments, reporting that the situation has become increasingly unbearable since 2020. One resident detailed how the structural integrity of the homes is failing, noting that houses are falling apart and yards are submerged. The resident, whose mother was forced to relocate due to severe arthritis caused by the damp conditions, described the physical toll on the community. “Even when you enter into the yard, you will feel your lungs that they are affected,” the resident said, adding that blocked drainage systems frequently cause raw waste to spill into the living areas. Residents are urgently calling for the departments of Human Settlements and Health to conduct comprehensive medical and structural inspections of the community.
Environmental and Health Warnings
An environmental expert consulted on the matter warned that residing on a wetland poses critical safety and health hazards. The expert highlighted that residents face increased exposure to contaminated water, leading to a high risk of waterborne diseases associated with poor sanitation. Furthermore, the continuously damp living conditions contribute to severe respiratory illnesses, while the homes are highly susceptible to dangerous mold and fungal growth. The expert also warned of an increased risk of physical injuries due to frequent flooding and unstable ground conditions.
Administrative Deadlock
Community leaders report that the crisis has reached a critical point, accusing municipal authorities of shifting blame rather than taking action. According to local leadership, the constant moisture and wet ground have caused a surge in breathing problems and pneumonia among residents.
After initial engagements with the municipality failed to yield results, community leaders escalated the matter by directly engaging the MMC for Human Settlements and the directors of Water and Sanitation. However, leaders report a frustrating administrative deadlock, alleging that both the Human Settlements department and the Water and Sanitation department are refusing to take responsibility for resolving the crisis.
City of Tshwane Formulates Intervention Plan
In response to the growing outcry, the City of Tshwane has acknowledged the severe challenges faced by the residents of Ga-Rankuwa. A city representative confirmed that teams of engineers and urban planners are actively developing a comprehensive strategy to resolve the settlement issues.
The spokesperson outlined that interventions for the government-owned RDP properties will primarily focus on managing the underground water tables. The proposed solutions include relocating the affected residents and rebuilding their houses on safer ground. However, the city emphasized that any relocation strategy requires careful community consultation.
“We have a solution on alternatives that we are still going to communicate to the community,” the city representative explained, noting that authorities must ensure residents are comfortable and in agreement with the proposed relocation sites before any movement takes place.
Meanwhile, families in Ga-Rankuwa Zone 4 remain on the waterlogged land, waiting for swift execution of these plans to secure their health and safety.
