The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)in Free State with condemns the erection of shacks for the disadvantaged community of Intabazwe, Harrismith. 

We find it deplorable that government has erected a number of shacks for occupation by the disadvantaged communities in Ward 5 at Intabazwe located within Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality.

These shacks are small and cannot even fit a bed. There is electricity but no ablution facilities, and no running water, except for the empty water tank on a makeshift platform of worn out tractor tyres stabilized with soil within.

There is no justification for the erection of shacks for our people under any conditions. The state has responsibility to build people decent houses within the human settlements. These people deserve to be provided decent facilities that they were promised.

This indignity should be corrected without delay. We demand proper houses as defined in the Human Settlements Policy. These people deserve better.

The Federation will be approaching the Human Rights Commission as well as the Office of the Public Protector to request a probe into this project. 

We also want the details of the project to be revealed because we need to know that all proper procurement protocols were followed. These shacks clearly are not value for money. 

Issued by COSATU Free State