The impact of dolomite, an underground soil condition, on housing developments in Gauteng continues to create high tensions between local government and communities especially in areas earmarked for relocation resulting in what has been described as an “erosion of trust”.
Gauteng MEC of Human Settlements and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo today successfully intervened in a long-standing dispute over the relocation of the community of Somalia informal settlement in Ekurhuleni due to dolomite in the area. Dolomite, generally makes the building of residential units impossible or limit the scale of development based on the geo-technical risks of an area. The dolomite challenge is being witnessed in a number of areas in Gauteng and was also responsible for one of the longest public protests in Thembalihle, south of Johannesburg in September, 2011.
A total number of 66 informal settlements in Ekurhuleni are currently located in areas not suitable for development and were earmarked for relocation by the Department. In Somalia residents have rejected initial scientific reports and relocation plans insisting on being accommodated in the area. During a public meeting with residents this afternoon, MEC Jacob Mamabolo officially confirmed the existence of dolomite but indicated that according to geo-technical reports certain portions of the area could be developed for higher density residential accommodation.
“An investigation was conducted to establish whether the land was dolomitic and if the department can be able to build houses. The report showed that there is dolomite but there are parts of the land where we can build,” he told the residents.
MEC Mamabolo said a mixed housing plan will be ideal for the area – which will include building higher densities and also including commercial developments which will also promote the township economy.
“The land-owner will submit building plans which will inform us on how to build for residents in the area as well as how to ensure that such buildings do not place the safety of residents at risk” commented MEC Mamabolo to the jubilation of the masses.
“We must also, in consultation with the community leadership be able to understand why the community is also opposed to flats and preferring the standard RDP housing and yards,” added MEC Mamabolo after some residents objected to the idea of building flats in the area.
Bongani Nkosi, a community leader said that the community had been informed about the high rise building before and they are not happy about it.
“As a committee we will sit down and discuss with the MEC, we want normal houses not flats,” he said.
Nkosi’s sentiments were shared by a number of residents who said flats did not offer privacy and comparing them with hostels.
MEC Mamabolo told the residents that Gauteng was one of the smallest provinces in the country and had a large population.
“To add to that we are faced with the problem of dolomite and as government we have to find innovative ways of providing homes to everyone,” he said.
Mamabolo said that the department will continue to engage with the residents restore the public trust and to find common ground.
An audit of all households will also be verified and new shacks will not be allowed in the area.
The MEC also told the residents that as part of Premier David Makhura’s commitment the department will work together to revitalise township economy in the area.
Issued by the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, Gauteng Provincial Government. For more information contact Victor Moreriane at 079 529 5836
Ntshengedzeni Singo
Senior Communication Officer: Media Relations
Department of Human Settlements
Tel: (011) 355 4266
Email: ntshengedzeni.singo@gauteng.gov.za
