Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale inspected a R400-million housing project in Langa on the Cape Flats hours before his budget vote speech in parliament yesterday.
He spoke about plans to restore dignity to the poor by helping them own homes through the Joe Slovo Housing Project.
The third phase of the project, which saw the construction of more than 2000 units, was the subject of a legal battle between residents and the government last year.
The Constitutional Court found that consultation was crucial for the development's success.
Sexwale said his visit was in compliance with the court ruling.
Sexwale boasted that the new homes are within easy reach of the public transport network and close to places of work.
He said the residents will move in next year.
"By that time it will be paved, it will be greened and it will be providing dignity to whoever is coming to live here," Sexwale said.
He emphasised, however, that it would be unsustainable for the government to continue providing people with free housing.
"It is true that you cannot continue providing free houses forever ... [but] we can't let the people who fall through the cracks get a hard landing. That's why there is assistance in terms of subsidies," he said.
Sexwale said the government was also working with banks to provide finance for "people who are in the gap market".
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