Prioritising rural development and creation of sustainable human settlements, MEC Nombulelo Mabandla will sign a development charter to address issues of underdevelopment and poverty in Elliot dale.
The charter includes amongst other things the appointment of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) as an implementing agent to facilitate construction of one thousand homes and other economic development activities in the area. Total value for construction of houses in the area is R539,4 million for 7 000 units. DBSA will facilitate construction of 1 000 houses while the department will consider other established developers for the construction of remaining 6 000 houses.
The signing of the charter will see the start of the construction of homes and other developmental activities in the area. This entails an integrated implementation of construction and upgrading of top structures and social, economic and service infrastructure associated with 1 000 dwelling units.
Development plans of the area will be crafted by the communities with inputs and support from professionals and facilitators. The vision for the project is to develop energetic communities where people will enjoy a good quality of life and sustainable livelihoods that are based upon secure land tenure, well defined planned settlements and reliable, affordable social, economic and infrastructure services.
The development charter will be signed at the Elliotdale Great Palace by the MEC, traditional leadership, DBSA and Amathole district municipality on 11 December 2009 starting at 10h00.
Contact:
Lwandile Sicwetsha
Cell: 071 6711 770
Tel: 043 711 9534
Fax: 0866 452 757
Issued by: Department of Housing, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
8 December 2009
