R649.8-million earmarked for upgrading of informal settlements
According to metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, 146 informal settlements in Tshwane receive rudimentary services, while 108 have basic sanitary services.
Region 1 of the Tshwane metro, which includes areas such as Soshanguve, Winterveldt, and Mabopane, is home to 137 informal settlements, one of the highest such concentrations in the municipality.
While these communities reflect the deepening housing crisis in the capital, they also pose serious challenges for service delivery, infrastructure, and urban planning.
According to metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, 146 informal settlements in Tshwane receive rudimentary services and 108 have basic sanitary services.
He said that due to budgetary constraints, not all people in informal settlements have been catered for.
In Region 1, many residents still rely on temporary water tanks, pit toilets, and illegal electricity connections.
“The provision of rudimentary services is not demand-driven but informed by Section 27 of the Constitution and the available budget,” said Mashigo.
Older informal settlements are prioritised for upgrades, while newer ones remain in limbo.
To tackle this growing crisis, the metro has earmarked R649.8-million under the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Fund in the draft 2025/26 budget.
The fund aims to improve access to services like water, sanitation, and electricity, as well as facilitate formalisation and relocation processes.
However, progress remains slow.
Mashigo said in areas such as Soshanguve South Ext 30 and 31, reblocking has been completed, with over 500 households formalised.
He said other areas like Hammanskraal West, Hammanskraal Ext 11, and Pienaarspoort have only been partially reblocked, while efforts in Zithobeni and Mamelodi Ext 6 are ongoing.
“The metro is using shack marking and the National Housing Needs Register to maintain transparency and accountability in allocating serviced stands and housing.
“Local communities and ward councillors also play a role by raising priorities through the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), petitions and memorandums.”
The metro has contracted seven private security companies to monitor and respond to illegal land invasions to prevent the spread of informal settlements.
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