In moving forward towards the department's vision, the department continuously provides an unequalled access to housing opportunities of wide diversity and a broad spectrum of affordability. Over the past 15 years, the Department of Housing has implemented projects across the Gauteng province, projects such the 20 Prioritised Townships Programme (20 PTP).
The programme is an undertaking by the Gauteng Provincial Government, municipalities and parastatals to provide social and economic infrastructure, and internal and external township services that will build sustainable communities and contribute to relieving poverty. It aims to ensure sustainable socioeconomic and infrastructure developments, create jobs for the local people residing in the townships, and also beautify the townships.
The townships that form part of the programme are Atteridgeville/Saulsville, Soshanguve, Mamelodi, Kagiso, Munsieville, Mohlakeng, Boipatong, Bophelong, Sharpeville, Sebokeng, Ratanda, Katlehong, Kwatsaduza (KwaThema, Tsakane and Duduza), Wattville, Daveyton, Tembisa, Refilwe, Rethabiseng, as well as Orlando and Zola, in Soweto.
500km and 700km of roads are being tarred, dramatically improving access to the townships. The revitalisation of gravel roads and footpaths brings this figure up to about 2 000km. Further, the creation of transport hubs is allowing residents easier access to different modes of public transport. Sanitation, water, electricity supply infrastructure and stormwater drainage is being constructed throughout the townships. Schools and clinics have also been identified for upgrades and improvements.
The 20 PTP is also looking at backyard upgrading initiatives. These involve building rooms and a communal toilet in residents' backyards, to replace informal shacks. This serves to regulate the number of people occupying the space, and also the rents drawn from these rental arrangements.
The 20 PTP has established commercial hubs in the townships where space is being made available for the establishment of formal shops. One of the aims of creating trading areas in the townships is that the cost of doing business will be reduced, as people will not have to travel far to sell their goods. The intention is also to create a more formal commercial area in which small, medium sized and micro-enterprises can operate and where the private sector can pursue opportunities.
Issued by: Department of Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government
24 June 2009
