Gauteng Housing Backlog
Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Jacob Mamabolo, has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he is failing to deliver on his mandate to handle the Gauteng housing backlog which now surpasses over 1 million.
In his political report for 2015 Gauteng Premier David Makhura, admitted to the shortcomings of the human settlements department in delivering housing opportunities for the residents in the province.
Under Mamobolo’s leadership, the human settlements department has cracked and failed to reach many of its priority targets and policies which include:
- The non-delivery of RDP houses;
- Inability to roll out in-situ upgrading programmes; and
- The failure to consolidate social housing programmes as well as planning of the mega city.
Access to Basic Housing
The number of people living in shacks and informal dwellings has not reduced since 1994 and one in five residents in the City of Johannesburg still live in an informal settlement.
After 21 years of a democratic dispensation, residents in Alexandra, Dube, Diepkloof, Daveyton and Brandvlei to name a few, still struggle to access basic housing.
This is indicative of a disintegrating leadership that is completely out of touch.
Gauteng residents also still await the MEC’s promise to initiate an investigation into the R 2.6 billion in irregular expenditure incurred by his department.
Decent, Sustainable Housing
MEC Mamabolo lacks transparency and fails to be held accountable by the residents of Gauteng, thus corroding the public’s trust and hope for decent and sustainable housing.
The MEC must clean up his act and start exercising decisive leadership that will see the living conditions of the people improve. It is high time that he deliver on his promised mandate before taking oath of office.
Media enquiries:
Mervyn Cirota MPL
DA Gauteng Spokesperson on Human Settlements
060 558 8312