Media release: MEC Masuku's visits to municipalities gain momentum
11 November 2009
The MEC for the Mpumalanga Department for Human Settlements, Madala
Masuku has visited
After the municipality had reported on the challenges and bottle necks
in the progress on building houses, the MEC explained to the mayor and municipal
officials that, as the name of the Department suggests, the new mandate is
concerned with the building of human settlements where the community in that
settlement have their lives improved by including clinics, community halls,
provision of roads, sports fields and other social amenities.
Now government has changed its strategy in providing houses. It
is no longer providing the top structure only but now provides holistic
settlements where all the necessary human needs in a community are available.
In the meeting concerns were raised on the importance of planning for the
projects of the Departments new mandate where the municipality must also pan
towards involving all its department to ensure roads clinics, sewer are ready
before settlements are carried out..
During the visit to a housing project under construction at Dixie Farm,
the MEC said that it was important that all stake holders must be brought in to
play their part in the provision of housing in any community. “It was
crucial that as government pursue this radical change in the provision of
housing the poor citizens of this country all stake holders must work together
in the same direction and have the same mission and vision” he said. Ward 7
needs for instance about 500 rental stock and 400 social housing units. It
is paramount that the planning should consider the needs of the community as
mandated by the government settlements, he concluded.
Contact person:
Freddy Ngobe
Cell: 082 859 4630
Tel: 013 766 6014
Issued by the Communications Directorate, Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlements
