Residents of the mostly coloured community near Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, claim that their council-owned flats are so overcrowded that when they feel frisky they must head for the veld.

Some have even bought mattresses for their night-time sojourns.

When 28-year-old Jeanine Stanley wants to be alone with her fiance, the veld is the place to be.

"Having sex on the field is the life for many people here. You have to choose your spot first. People have sex everywhere except in the flats because there are children there," she said.

Like most of the people of the community, Stanley's family has been sharing a two-bedroom flat since 2001.

"About 11 people stay in my family flat. I cannot have sex in front of my mother and children. When I turn, a hand touches my mother's bed."

The people of Marrianridge - who were moved there in 1976 in terms of the Group Areas Act - would like RDP houses.

"Having sex in the open field can only be avoided when people get houses," said Stanley.

Community leader Brain Charles said the people are squashed into about 80 flats but when the area was established, it had about 600 units.

"People cannot enjoy having sex in the open field. In situations like these people are exposed to danger," he said.

Councill spokesman Thabo Mofokeng said the overcrowding is being tackled.

Three sites for new houses have been found.

The municipality and the provincial government have reportedly agreed to expedite the project, which will accommodate about 500 families.