Premier Mabuza condemns land invasions
27 September 2012
Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has warned those who invade land saying they made problems worse for the provincial government.
The Premier was speaking at a hand-over ceremony of eight sponsored houses in Clau-Clau outside Nelspruit, saying land invasion was not an ideal method of settling in the area.
He said within no time, people would end up jumping on the streets demanding the services which had not been planned for by government.
“I want to put it clear that it is in-correct, it makes our problems as government even worse because people who reside on invaded land should be provided with water, roads and other basic services.
“It is not a good thing whatsoever, I am therefore urging the municipalities to purchase land, have it serviced in preparation for the next generations who would need houses in future.
“The housing backlog is too huge, indeed we must be concerned about those who are growing up, people are maturing, those who were young yesterday are old today, and they need to be settled somewhere. Unless we plan properly, we will always have problems,” said Premier Mabuza.
The Premier added that although he handed over sponsored houses to the needy families, many households in the area did not have access to water because they settled in the mountainous areas.
Speaking about the houses he handed over, the Premier appreciated the business people who supported him financially.
He said it was unfortunate that many people would die before owning houses because of the backlog and complicated procedures in getting government houses.
“I am trying to plant the spirit of working together, which is why I have mobilised community structures to contribute cement blocks, frames and other things needed in building a house, because we can only succeed if we work together.
“We thank them for their contribution, this is an indication that we care for each other.
“I am trying to become a bridge between the private and the public sector, we can only grow as a nation if we work together,” said Mabuza.
The four-roomed houses were built within three weeks and the beneficiaries are mostly women who do not have source of income other than relying on government social grants.
An 80 year old man, Phineas Mathunjwa, did not believe his eyes when Mabuza handed over the keys of his new house. He told the Premier that he could not wait to move in to his new house and that the rusty shack he had lived most of his life in would be demolished.
“I did not believe you when you say you would build a house for us because we were used to such promises for a very long time,” said Mathunjwa.
Issued by Zibonele Mncwango
Spokesperson: Mpumalanga Premier
Tel: (013) 766 – 2453
Mobile: 079 491 0163
E-mail: zmncwango@mpg.gov.za
