The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni is concerned over the slow roll-out of housing in Ekurhuleni under the leadership of the ANC-led coalition.
According to the DA spokesperson for human settlements in Ekurhuleni, Clr Mabekenyane Thamahane, who was elected as a councillor in 2011 and served on the human settlement oversight committee, he has raised concerns over the department’s inability to spend on housing grants.
“We have a massive housing backlog in the metro and with around 23 informal settlements, and our people living in squalor, it’s time we start delivering on our promises to the people. The executive mayor, Clr Mzwandile Masina, undertook a promise when he was elected as the mayor of Ekurhuleni, that he will make sure the department delivers 100 000 houses and 59 000 serviced stands to communities,” said Thamahane.
Thamane added that with this funding available, he fails to understand why this department is failing to deliver, despite the massive housing grant from the Gauteng Province.
“A year and a half into his tenure as mayor this matter looks like it’s becoming a pipedream. I am calling on this department and the MMC for human settlements, Clr Lesiba Mpya, to start taking the plight of the poor in the City seriously. The right to housing is enshrined in our constitution and as part of the law, we will continue to pressure the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) into delivering services to its people,” added Thamahane.
He emphasised that more housing opportunities and the mobilisation of well-located public land for low income earners and affordable housing are needed throughout Ekurhuleni.
“The realisation of these projects will go a long way in helping communities and the poorest of the poor. It will also bring renewed hope to Ekurhuleni and its people,” said Thamahane.
