World Habitat International Day conference
30 September 2007
Sunday, 30 September 2007, The Hague, Netherlands, The two day International
conference hosted jointly by the Netherlands government and United Nations (UN)
Habitat to celebrate World Habitat Day has started. Speakers invited to address
the conference include the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon
and the Executive Director of United Nations Habitat, Anna K Tibaijuka. In
recognition of the achievement of the South African government in providing
decent shelter to its people, the Netherlands Minister of Housing, Communities
and Integration invited Minister Sisulu to deliver the key note address.
Minister Sisulu will address the conference on its theme, 'A safe city is a
just city' focusing her speech on South Africa's urbanisation challenges. As
the chairperson of the African Ministerial conference on Housing and Urban
Development (AMCHUD) the Minister will also pay special focus on African
immigration, urbanisation and post conflict reconstruction challenges, possible
solutions and the commitments of African governments to achieve Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs).
The two Ministers, South Africa and Netherlands, will also have a bilateral
discussion focused on strengthening co-operation between the two countries to
support housing delivery in South Africa. They will also review progress on the
implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2004 in the
area of social housing and urban development and management.
Among key programmes currently being implemented through the MOU is the
provision of short-term technical assistance, knowledge and good practice
exchange and skills development in the area of rental housing. Other local
partners involved in the implementation of the MOU include South African Local
Government Association (Salga) and Social Housing Foundation.
A South African rental housing project, Madulamoho Housing Association is
also to be presented as a successful case study on how to transform problem
neighbourhoods into vibrant communities. This project focuses on the work of
the Gauteng Housing Department and the City of Joburg in the Hillbrow area. The
Europa Hotel conversion was part the Better Buildings Programme initiated in
1997 with a budget of more than R40 million to provide affordable rental
accommodation for inner city residents.
Europa House now offers affordable rental accommodation, short stay rental
units and rooms as well as emergency shelter facilities.
The World Habitat Day conference will continue until 2 October with
delegates from across the world focusing on issues related to restitution of
land, houses and properties to returning refugees, reconstruction and peace
building.
Enquiries contact:
Ndivhuwo Mabaya
Cell: 083 645 7838
Issued by: Department of Housing
30 September 2007
