Proceeds from “mayoral mansion” to build 40 houses – DA

Proceeds from the sale of a R5.1-million “mayoral mansion” are being used to build 40 houses for those in need, Rekord East reports.

This according to Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane.

Maimane, together with Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga and Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba, addressed the crowd at Greater Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Friday.

The party was celebrating two years since it was elected into government in three metros – Tshwane, Johannesburg and Nelson Mandela Bay.

“The new DA government inherited a major housing backlog, and corruption and maladministration had taken over the building and allocation of houses to the poorest of residents,” said Maimane.

In November last year, “the lavish residents of former ANC mayors” was sold for R5.1 million in order to build houses for those who had none.

Maimane also pointed out that R137.2-million had been allocated towards Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) initiatives in the current financial year.

“In September last year, much needed reforms to the City’s EPWP recruitment policy were introduced, effectively ending the system of insiders and outsiders that have previously marred EPWP job opportunities,” said Maimane.

He also spoke about the stabilising of Tshwane’s finances, stating that a R2-billion inherited deficit had been turned into a surplus.

“The reported operating deficit for 2015/16 was R2.1-billion, which was restated to R1.3-billion during the following financial year’s audit process. This is evidence of a DA-run City handling public money with care, ensuring it is spent on the people, not politicians.”

Maimane pointed out that the financial year had closed with an operating surplus of R704-million.