19 August 2007
Gauteng MEC for Housing Ms Nomvula Mokonyane confirmed that the Department
has handed over an Audit Report to the Scorpions to investigate irregularities
in the allocation of houses at Phatsima in Munsieville. Mokonyane told scores
of community members during a visit to assess progress in the Munsieville
Prioritised Township Programme (PTP) today.
Mokonyane urged the community members to be an integral part of the process
to rejuvenate and rehabilitate the area. "It is imperative that you not only
participate but monitor and own this process." Munsieville is one of the oldest
townships and boasts a rich and vibrant history. However, the township is
mainly characterised by poverty, underdevelopment and unemployment. It is
against this background that Gauteng Premier Mr Mbhazima Shilowa unveiled the
R3 billion programme to rejuvenate and rehabilitate 20 oldest townships
including Munsieville.
Mokonyane said the department will build 3 105 houses for beneficiaries in
Munsieville. She said about 1 300 families from the Rooimespel area will be the
first to benefit from the project. "We have decided that we are going to
relocate families not individuals. We will also provide the rental stock for
those who are not permanent residence in the province," said Mokonyane.
Mokonyane agreed that the houses that will be built should satisfy everyone.
�In order to have a co-ordinated integrated development we have developed a
master plan to guide the various development initiatives in the area." The
master plan has identified that there is informal settlements in Pongoville,
backyard shacks in Munsieville and the demolition of existing semi detached
units in the Horseshoe area.
"In the horseshoe area the dilapidated buildings will be demolished and a
new layout design will be done for the area and stands made available. It is
estimated that a total of approximately 94 new stands with semi-detached
housing could be established on the site out of the existing 75 stands which
will lead to new housing units which will allow for land tenure from leasehold
to freehold," mentioned MEC Mokonyane.
She mentioned that the hostel that currently houses 330 male inhabitants
will be converted into family units and or rental units since structural
analysis of the buildings has indicated that the building can be rehabilitated.
Mokonyane said women owned construction companies' youth and people with
disabilities will benefit from the project.
This integrated provincial government project will improve the Munsieville
Township through provision of waste drop-offs facilities, supply of waste bins,
erection of street lights, development of the public transport facilities (Taxi
Rank), tarring of roads and provision of traffic light to improve road safety
as well implementation of a sports hub among other things.
To encourage community participation the MEC also announced that a
development forum which comprises non-governmental organisation (NGOs), youth
formations, business and church groups among others will be formed. In addition
a steering committee which will comprise the MEC, the Mayor and councillors
will oversee the implementation of the projects.
For more information contact:
Mary Martins-Engelbrecht
Tel: 011 630 5004
Cell: 079 873 5022
Issued by: Department of Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government
19 August 2007
