Riverlea, situated in the west of Johannesburg, is a low-cost housing development, constructed in the early 1960’s with a population of approximately 24 000 people, according to the University of Johannesburg.
This community is the closest residential area to Soccer City and there are two large mine dumps situated on either side of the area, posing a myriad of health risks to the community members.
According to the results of the Health Environment and Development study, Riverlea has a wide range of social, environmental and health problems. The residents were found to have high levels of chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes and hypertension due to the high levels of smoking.
Alcohol and drug abuse, drug peddling, and glue sniffing as well as problems such as rodent infestations and mental ill-health symptoms – depression and anxiety – were prevalent in this disadvantaged urban community.
According to the Ward Councillor, 70% of the residents are unemployed.
In this weekly feature, SABC News captures the voices of communities about their experience with service delivered by their municipality.
This week, Digital News producer Lebo Tshangela speaks to the community leaders and residents of Riverlea.
Below is the full podcast:
