Irene Grootboom House previously known as 104 Darling Street was once a residential property that underwent different landlords. The building became less and less maintained thus leading to its derelict state. The residents of IGH have had numerous engagements with the Department of Public Works with less assistance from Public Works. In 2018, IGH was formally adopted as one of Reclaim the City’s inner-city occupations. The conditions of the occupation have not improved since our call. We took it upon ourselves to raise funds and repair the damaged areas.
Irene Grootboom House represents the failure of the National Department to proactively manage its land and building portfolio in a way that advances the right to housing and access to land on an equitable basis.