Metro identifies land for residents of an east informal settlement
The settlement was established about four years ago and has been characterised by issues of illegal electrical connection that recently claimed a life of a 20-month-old baby.
The Tshwane metro has purchased land in Mooiplaats in the east of Pretoria for the residents of Mavuso informal settlement in Nellmapius, it said.
The settlement was established about four years ago and has been characterised by issues of illegal electrical connection that recently claimed a life of a 20- month-old toddler.
Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the boy’s death was unfortunate and sent condolences to the family.
“We also urge our communities to refrain from connecting electricity illegally as this poses a serious threat to their lives, especially the children.”
Mashigo said the metro identified land for residents in Mooiplaats, Donkerhoek where full services would be provided which could see the elimination of illegal connections.
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This as the informal settlement fell under the category of settlements that cannot be developed and needed alternative land for residents to live in.
The metro currently has 227 informal settlements.
Mashigo said the metro was working closely with the national human settlements department through the national upgrading support programme (NUSP) for the informal settlement.
“In this regard, a detailed assessment of existing informal settlements has been undertaken and completed. This has led to the development of a comprehensive upgrading of informal settlements strategy which frames the work of the metro.’’
Mashigo, however, said the relocation might take some time as the metro was upgrading 41 informal settlements that would not be moved.
“The area of Nellmapius Mavuso informal settlement falls under category C, which are people set for relocation. The value chain of upgrading the informal settlement takes three to 10 years for full services.
“The first process will be the appointment of professional service providers who will be responsible for the planning process which includes technical work.’’
Many of the residents in the settlement were people who said they have been registered for housing dating back to 1996.
Mashigo said there were more than 800 000 people registered in the National Housing Needs Register (NHNR).
“These people live in different townships within the metro, just like those in the Mavuso. Registration on the NHNR gives guidance to government to budget accordingly for the housing needs.
“Whenever there is a project in a particular area, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements will draw up a list of registered beneficiaries which will then guide the municipalities on who to assist.”
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