City has no plans yet for Fourways Informal Settlements
Housing MMC says the City won’t interfere in by-law enforcement as Clay Oven, Ginger Park and other informal settlements in Fourways remain under assessment.
MMC for Human Settlements Mlungisi Mabaso says the City of Johannesburg currently has no immediate plans to formalise informal settlements in Fourways, until the necessary legal and land assessment processes are completed.
Speaking on the matter, Mabaso explained that many informal settlements emerge because desperate residents end up purchasing stands illegally due to the ongoing shortage of affordable housing in Johannesburg.
“These settlements often happen under very unfortunate circumstances. People are taking advantage of the vulnerability of residents who are looking for places to stay.”
Also read: MEC Ramokgopa meets Lonehill residents over Clay Oven and Ginger Park informal settlements
He emphasised that the Human Settlements department is not responsible for enforcing by-laws or removing illegal structures, explaining that this falls under other departments and law enforcement agencies within the city.
“Ours is to come in last to provide services when people have settled, but there are processes that must happen before we can do so,” Mabaso said.
He added that assessments are necessary to determine whether the land is suitable for development before any formalisation or upgrading can take place.
Also read: Settlers return after JMPD removal
“For now, we don’t have plans for any plans in place for settlements in Fourways,” he said.
Mabaso also confirmed that the Gauteng MEC’s office is currently handling the issues and the Human Settlements will not interfere in that process.
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