​Housing development to go ahead in Zandspruit

The City of Johannesburg and the provincial department of Housing in Gauteng are concerned about recent developments which are clearly undermine plans to improve living conditions of the Zandspruit informal settlement community.

In a visit to the area in 2003, MEC Mashatile assured residents that government would relocate them to areas within reasonable distance from their current location. It was further indicated that there is pending development in the area, which included the upgrading of the infrastructure including the expansion of the roads.

In 2006 the City of Johannesburg appointed a construction company, Nyoni Projects, to undertake roads construction. An assessment of the area revealed that some of the shacks where locals resided were on the way of the proposed upgrading. This meant people affected must be either relocated or slightly shifted to make way for the construction of roads.

Affected members of the community were then jointly consulted by the City of Johannesburg and Provincial Housing Department. Parties then agreed that those on the way of development should be relocated.

Early in the morning of the relocation, 22nd May 2007, severe cold weather led City officials and contractors to consult with the affected community and agree to delay the relocation to a later time in the day when weather conditions had improved.

When trucks to transport the community returned later that day, streets were barricaded and the some members of the community who are not affected by the relocation were toyi-toying and voicing resistance against the relocation. The contractor appointed to transport the community which had earlier agreed to be relocated approached the COJ and suggested to delay relocation to a later date. This was done to avoid possible friction between those who had agreed to be relocated and the group which was now creating conditions hostile to relocation. Vandalism and damage to vehicles would have also forced police to act against culprits.

The Gauteng Provincial Government has said it is deeply concerned by the current developments and issued a stern warning against those who are destabilizing the community and are obstructing housing development in Zandspruit.

"This will not be tolerated and the necessary legitimate action will be taken against those who want to stand on the way of development. Together with the City of Johannesburg, we will ensure that nothing stops the ongoing housing development which is aimed at bringing a better life for the local community" said a joint statement from the Gauteng and Joburg City Housing Departments.

ENDS
Issued by:
Nthatisi Modingoane
Media Liaison Officer
CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
Tel: (011) 407 7354
Fax: 403 3494
Cell: 082 467 9228
E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za