Newcastle Mayor, Afzul Rehman, promised residents of Siyahlala-la that in the coming years, their informal settlement would be transformed into a proper Newcastle suburb.
“When we took over the municipality in 2009, we took a decision upon ourselves to build up Siyahlala-la rather than to relocate the people there,” said Cllr Rehman.
At a recent roadshow, Cllr Rehman described Siyahlala-la as a bush, but that a full range of services would be established and the planned housing project would ensure residents there had good homes.
With the planned development of Link Road, the introduction of the Earl Street Substation, and the new reservoir, most of the services needed before the construction of the housing project can commence, have all begun taking shape.
“We have even started digging the trenches which will house the sewerage systems in the area,” explained Cllr Rehman.
Portfolio Councillor of Human Settlements, Matthew Shunmugam, added town planners would be making arrangements to include shopping centres and play-parks.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Human Settlements, Ravi Pillay, predicted the housing project should begin early next year, and would take approximately two years to complete.
“The first phase of construction will include 837 units for Siyahlala-la and there are three phases planned in total,” explained Mr Pillay.
However, some residents from the Fairleigh and Lennoxton area felt that the municipality’s decision to build up Siyahlala-la was illogical.
A resident who wished to remain anonymous, said Siyahlala-la was an illegal settlement and should not be given the benefits more deserving people needed.
“People are now going to move into the area expecting free hand-outs. They are not paying for the land, or the services. The municipality is making a mistake,” claimed the resident.
However, for Siyahlala-la resident Thulani Mebele, who was excited by the prospect of the housing project, the proof would ultimately lie in implementation.
“I will not believe it until I see progress with my own eyes,” he concluded.
