This past Wednesday, Mayor Herman Mashaba handed over keys to the recently completed Bokomso Social Housing Project, which was overseen by the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSCHO).
The new development is beautifully done, with Phase 1 comprising of 255 units for single occupancy and family units. Phase 2 would bring the total number of units to 588.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor Mashaba expressed his delight at leading an administration that provides residents with the dignity of a place to call home. The Mayor also highlighted the importance of the project given the city's inherited housing backlog.
Focusing on the positive, he said the development offers residents an opportunity to easy access to a road network that connects them to working opportunities in the city. The development is located alongside the Golden Highway.
“This will not only go a long way to providing many of our residents with the dignity of quality affordable housing, but will also help create needed jobs within the city," he said.
It was a heart-warming experience to hear from some of the recipients who spoke of their long journey over the years to their day of celebration and gratitude.
Unfortunately, following the launch of the project, a group of law breakers sought to vandalised the newly development.
No injuries were reported except for a pregnant woman who fell down from a wall while trying to flee the scene during the attack by the vandals.
A case has been opened with local South Africa Police Services (SAPS).
''I pray that SAPS will do all that is within the power to ensure that these law breakers meet the full might of the law. In order to assist in this, I have instructed the City's JMPD to work with the SAPS in order to track down these criminals," said the Mayor.
Delivering quality low-cost housing remains an important objective of the multi-party government.
In order to begin addressing the housing challenge within the City, last month, Council approved the release of an additional 71 properties for mixed-use development. This is on top of the 13 properties released last year. Once developed, these properties will assist in providing quality low-cost housing for residents within the City. This initiative is to be complemented by the City's traditional housing typologies.
“I appeal to communities to raise their concerns in a manner that doesn't infringe on the rights of others. A healthy democracy is comprised of people who seek solutions together and build a future that leaves a legacy for generations to come,'' said the Mayor.
