WESTERN Cape Human Settlements MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela and Bitou mayor Memory Booysen have both called for an end to the politicisation of free low-cost housing for homeless South Africans.
Speaking at the official handover of 52 government subsidised high density housing units in Plett’s Qolweni township, Madikizela said in some areas the housing issue had been “highly politicised”, with less worthy applicants being rewarded with free low-cost houses for their loyalty to a particular party, while deserving opposition supporters had been denied.
Speaking at the official handover of 52 government subsidised high density housing units in Plett’s Qolweni township, Madikizela said in some areas the housing issue had been “highly politicised”, with less worthy applicants being rewarded with free low-cost houses for their loyalty to a particular party, while deserving opposition supporters had been denied.
“The delivery of houses is not a political issue, and must not be used for political purposes. Whatever issues political leaders have must not affect the people of the communities,” Madikizela said.
“Housing is a social issue, and the government must make sure houses are provided for people who really need them. The houses are for South Africans, and getting a house doesn’t depend on the political party they support.”
He said the databases on which government relied for the allocation of houses “have to be credible” for the system to work, with only the most deserving receiving houses.
The MEC said it was encouraging to note that there had been co-operation between political parties to address the problem, with support from national Human Settlements minister Tokyo Sexwale.
Booysen said applicants for free housing had to accept that they could not look for advice on the issue from municipal ward councillors who were not in a position to advise them.
“Housing is a sensitive issue. The politicisation of the provision of housing stops now. The only source of information as to when a housing project is going to be completed and when people can move in is the provincial government. Whatever else you hear, if it hasn’t been confirmed by the provincial government, it’s not going to happen.”
Madikizela praised the developers of the Qolweni housing project, which will eventually see the construction of 1420 units in the area, 317 of which have already been completed.
Qolweni and the neighbouring townships of Bossiesgif, Pinetree, and Gaatjie are still home to thousands of shack dwellers.
“Everything we do is with taxpayers’ money, and you the people have given us a lot of responsibility to build these houses for you. When we work together, as government and community, we are able to do good work,” Madikizela said.
Garden Route Media
- CXpress
No comments:
Post a Comment