Hundreds of residents braved the cold to attend a public meeting last night, 25 July 2019, at Don Mateman Hall in Eldorado Park.
The meeting was chaired by Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Housing, Cllr Meshack Van Wyk, who was accompanied by the Acting Executive Director of Housing, Thabo Maisela, Director of Finance Patrick Phophi and the ward councillor, Cllr Fazel Jaffer.
The meeting came in the wake of the ongoing illegal land grabs in Region G, which comprises Orange Farm, Finetown, Ennerdale, Lenasia and Eldorado Park
Concerns about the lack of housing, lack of maintenance of the council and provincial flats, lack of jobs dominated the gathering, with residents pleading with the City to listen to their problems.
“We are tired of promises. When are we going to see the first brick being laid in this area,” said one resident.
Roland Harris, another resident, appealed to MMC Van Wyk to fast-track the issue of housing and the maintenance of flats.
“The City is not listening to the community. The flats are dilapidated. We are living under inhuman conditions and nothing is being done despite our constant implorations. It is clear that we require proper housing as a matter of urgency,” said Harris.
MMC Van Wyk told residents that subsequent to the oversight visits to the council flats in the area, R50 million has been set aside to upgrade the flats so that they are livable spaces for the community. A service delivery agreement has already been signed with the Joburg Property Company (JPC) to commence with the work.
He said the Department will hand over 179 title deeds next week. “The department has identified two land parcels in this area, each land parcel will give 100 stands,” said MMC Van Wyk.
The launch of these sites will take place before the end of 2019. A budget of R130 million has been set aside for sites and services during the 2019/2020 financial year.
Maisela said the City has done studies to determine land that can be developed in this area. “The province and the city has started negotiations that will address the needs of the community.”
