Plans by the Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing to upgrade and eradicate informal settlements in the province are moving at a high speed despite many challenges brought about by inflows of people as well as the scarcity of land in the province.
The department has managed to exceed its 4 465 target of servicing stands by 280%, delivering 16 990 serviced stands to various informal settlements across the province. A total of 18 434 houses were also delivered as part of the efforts to eradicate informal settlements. The information was presented before the Gauteng legislature by MEC for Local Government and Housing, Humphrey Mmemezi, during the presentation of the Departmental 2010/ 11 Annual Report today.
“This development is significant in many ways, as it shows our commitment as government to face the enormous challenges of providing shelter, security and comfort to the poorest of the poor.”
What is also encouraging is the fact that as we upgrade and eradicate, this informal settlements families will, for the first time, have access to security of tenure. Families will also own title deeds and, most importantly, they will have access to water and sanitation.
The province has identified only 122 out of 395 informal settlements for upgrading and formalisation. A total of 85 of the 122 settlements have already been formalised and 36 were eradicated by 2009. Those which will not be developed are settlements located on unsuitable land. They will be relocated to existing or new housing projects.
The department is also building major mixed housing projects such as Lehae, Olieventhoutbosch, Lufhereng, Cosmos City, Chief Mogale and Chief Albert Luthuli to relocate people from the affected informal settlements (settlements to be relocated).
During this year under review, the department delivered 2 988 mixed housing stands, exceeding the annual target by more than 100%. The department further constructed 2 228 units under the programme, which represents 62% of the annual target.
“These mixed housing developments have further ensured that communities are integrated thus promoting social cohesion and addressing the ills of apartheid planning. The poor, for the first time, have direct opportunities of being integrated into the mainstream housing market,” commented MEC Mmemezi.
The department also exceeded its target of three projects on the utilisation of Alternative Building Technology (ABT). A total of 499 housing units were delivered using ABT in 2010/ 11 financial year. These projects are: Diepsloot West, Zola (backyard), Finetown Proper and Vlakfontein Extensions 1, 2 and 3 in the Johannesburg Region, Mamelodi and Atteridgeville (backyard rental) in the Tshwane Region.
Some of the highlights include:
Performance Management Systems
Four municipalities are being assisted to implement the Performance Management System in order to enhance human resource management.
Municipal and technical support
The department coordinated the deployment of 56 senior engineers, 19 graduates and 75 students across the province to strengthen the engineering and project management capacity in conjunction with The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) and The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). The intention of this initiative was to expedite municipal service delivery in the province.
Scarce Skills Training
A total of 500 people were trained and mentored in Artisan Training, Internal Audit Learnership, Housing Policy Development Programme, and the Housing Scholarship Programme.
Municipal Debtors Book Model
Seven municipalities are being supported to implement the Municipal Debtor’s Book Model. The municipalities are Ekurhuleni, Emfuleni, Lesedi, Mogale, Westonaria, Randfontein and Merafong. Preparatory work for the right to sell the book is underway in all listed municipalities except Merafong.
The complete report is available on the Department’s website: www.dlgh.gpg.gov.za
Enquiries:
Victor Moreriane
Cell: 079 529 5836
Mary Martins- Van Zyl
Cell: 0798735022
