DEAR Editor,-
The Herald’s series of reporting, letters and column on housing matters on the South Coast bears reference. I wish to make the following three points. While we note the concession that the Herald could have done more to get comment, the truth is that no effort was made and that remains my gripe. Having said that, as a public representative I must take things on the chin. By the same token, if you can give it you must be able to take it.
I will exercise my right to respond sharply.
Whether it was intended or not, the first article and headline was a DA prospective on the issue. In that context it is legitimate to do the comparison with the Western Cape. Ultimately the DA’s agenda is about political contestation and we must trumpet the fact that KZN is miles ahead on housing service delivery.
With regard to Dr Rishigen Viranna’s response, I reiterate that his position is an uninformed one. I am prepared to debate that at any time. There was an extensive legislature debate at which the Herald was not present. The audio recording of my response may be accessed by the public on www.kzndhs.gov.za.
There are projects that are planned and individual beneficiaries must apply for consideration. That process occurs at a local level and not a provincial level.
The fact is that housing delivery throughout the South Coast is notching up results and improving people’s lives. Where there are individual cases that warrant special attention, we take that up through radical anti-poverty programmes like Operation Sukuma Sakhe.
Unlike the opposition, the ANC-led provincial government and municipalities have the power to make a difference in our people’s lives. The scale of the backlog in housing delivery is huge, but the success we will claim is that this government has built four million houses in 22 years.
We are working hard every minute of every day to deliver services within the constraints of the resources we have. If KZN had a higher budget for human settlements, we would build more houses.
Within this context, there are important policy matters that are more worthy of debate. As I write this I am attending a preparatory conference for Habitat 3 which will tackle the global challenges of urbanisation among other matters.
Right now our responsibility is to maintain and enhance our enviable service delivery track record. People see their neighbours getting government houses and services. We must leave our people with the hope that their turn will come too.
RAVI PILLAY MPL
MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works KZN
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