Gauteng Provincial Government resolves longstanding dispute in Kwa-Zenzele
Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Jacob Mamabolo today made a long awaited announcement that a contractor has been appointed to build houses for the residents of Kwa-Zenzele in Vischuil near Springs in the East Rand. The MEC was joined by Executive Mayors of Sedibeng District Municipality and Lesedi Local Municipality.
MEC Mamabolo today visited the area as part of government Imbizo to give feedback to the residents of the informal settlement. MEC Mamabolo said he had a constructive dialogue with the leadership of the community. “We made a commitment that we will back in two weeks’ time with answers to their problems. Today we came back with two contactors for housing and roads construction who will start their work this week,” said MEC Mamabolo.
The contractor will start with the demarcation of stands so that construction of houses to those who qualify should start.
The community had complained of slow pace of delivering houses to the informal settlement and alleging that Lesedi Local Municipality which they fall under had neglected their area. Subsequently the MEC had meeting with the local leadership wherein he made a commitment to address their grievances.
Mamabolo said two weeks after they had a meeting with the leadership of the community, most of their problems have been resolved which indicate that dialogue and not violence is the only effective way to get answers to some of the problems that affect communities. Government has resolved the problems of high Mast Lights, extension of the local municipal satellite office from two days to five days a week with an appointment of permanent staff to serve the community and MEC also announced job creation opportunities in the area.
MEC warned against corruption in these two projects that he announced to the community. “I don’t want the projects to be marred by corruption. I urge the community to report any suspicion of corruption to the department as we won’t hesitate to take action,” said Mamabolo.
MEC Mamabolo said they are in talks with the department of Agriculture to reopen the old graveyard to allow the community to bury their loved ones nearby. MEC also announced that they are going to engage the Ekurhuleni municipality to provide emergency services as they are nearby.
The MEC commended the community for not engaging in violent protest where public properties are destroyed in the process. “Violence will never be a solution. We cannot continue to destroy public property in order to he heard by government. I urge communities to protect the little that they have because some of the actions taken by members of communities put strain in government budget and efforts to change the lives of others,” reiterated Mamabolo.
MEC also mentioned that in partnership with the municipality and other role players like the private sector they will roll out a number of projects to change the community of Kwa-Zenzele. Mamabolo announced that bricks manufacturer Coro-Brick is going to build a Multi-Purpose Centre in the area.
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
Tel: 011 355 4873
