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STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING ON
THE DEVELOPING SITUATION IN DIEPSLOOT
The National Minister of Housing is seriously concerned about the situation in Diepsloot. Of particular concern is that despite repeated assurances by both MEC of Housing Mrs Nomvula Mokonyane and the Johannesburg Metro that people will not be moved to Brits, violence continued. She is also concerned that such drastic action could have been taken on the basis of a rumour whereas avenues are available for the communities to lodge their complains with government. This is after repeated assurances that nothing would be done without consultations and that government was open to discussion.
Housing is a priority of this government and we are working around the clock to ensure that all our people are housed in a safe and dignified manner. As Government we are committed to providing sustainable human settlements with availability of basic services and links to all community needs such as schools, hospitals and churches.
The people of Diepsloot can now rest and go back to their normal activities knowing that they are not going to be moved. As for the origin of the rumour, we have asked our law enforcement agencies to investigate and deal with those spreading false rumours.
‘In my interactions with the MEC she indicated to me that there were community committees and structures in Diepsloot that meet regularly. We both call upon the community to take advantage of these structures, and use them to raise issues with the Johannesburg Metro Council, the Gauteng Provincial Department of Housing and National Housing Department,’ Minister Sisulu said.
‘If communities have concerns, they must use formal existing structures to address their concerns. Burning of buildings, damaging of cars can never be used as a method of bringing any issue to the attention of authorities. Our doors are open and all concerns from communities would be given full attention,’ said Sisulu.
The Provincial Housing Department will be distributing 10 000 information leaflets written in isiZulu, Sesotho and English in the area tomorrow, 09 July 2004, which will provide information to that community on this matter.
It is with this in mind that we continue to interact with all stakeholders and communities to ensure that they are housed adequately. Together with the Gauteng Provincial Government and the Johannesburg Metro we are committed to ensuring that Diepsloot is developed and the community is housed in a dignified manner.
The following are projects currently taking place in Diepsloot as part of the housing development and improvement of basic facilities in the community.
1. Current Projects
Diepsloot West Extensions 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 & 9 have been implemented in four phases by the City of Johannesburg. The project comprises the provision of services and top structures to 5278 stands. To date all services have been installed and 4659 houses have been completed. The balance of the houses are in various stages of construction.
In Extension 6 & 7, 83 complete houses have been invaded by illegal beneficiaries. In Extension 9, 42 partially completed houses have been invaded. City of Johannesburg has already obtained a court order for the evictions for.
Diepsloot Phase 5 was approved for the installing of essential services (water and sewer) for 742 stands. The services have been completed and beneficiaries settled.
Through the Urban Renewal Program various social services infrastructure projects have been implemented and completed. These are:
Through the Urban Renewal Project, basic water and sanitation was provided in the Reception Area through communal ablution blocks. This has been completed.
There are currently approximately 10,000 families in the Diepsloot Reception Area, of which 3,500 were relocated from the banks of the Jukskei River in Alexandra.
The formalization of the Reception Area can yield maximum 2000 high density stands.
2. Planned Projects
Feasibility report for Diepsloot East has been conducted by the Regional Professional Team. This project can yield approximately 5000 stands.
Government is committed to the development of Diepsloot. We request that people be patient. The destruction of property does not benefit anyone but robs our own communities from development benefits. We call upon communities to continue to interact with all structures of government using due process.
For enquiries:
Mr Thabang Chiloane
Cell: 082 488 2621
July 07, 2004 |