Shack dwellers face tough reality of lockdown
Abahlali Basemjondolo is worried about the well-being of communities in informal settlements during the coronavirus lockdown.
The shack dwellers movement says many families - living from hand to mouth - will battle to cope.
President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered a 21-day countrywide lockdown that begins at midnight tomorrow.
The group's Mqapheli Bonono says some of the residents they've spoken to live without running water:
“Please can we see the Department of Health coming inside the informal settlement, trying to educate the people, make sure people understand what is really happening,” Bonono said.
Bonono says many people who live in informal settlements survive on casual jobs. The lockdown takes away their opportunity to earn a living.
“Some of the people when the shutdown takes place, it will be no work no pay. Some of them will be sitting in the house, starving with no food," Bonono said.
Government announced this week that _it will intensify screenings and provide informal settlements with water tankers during the lockdown.
