MEC Mekgwe promises 850 new houses for the Tsakane community

30-09-2013
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The New Age
Source

A TOTAL of 850 new RDP houses would soon be built for the people of Tsakane in the East Rand, Gauteng MEC for human settlements, Ntombi Mekgwe said on Friday.

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony for a new housing development that will benefit people living with disabilities and the elderly, Mekgwe said informal settlements are common to most developing countries which undergo a process of rapid urbanisation.

She said there was a dire need for resources to address the housing needs of all its citizens and in particular the poor who flock to cities in search of a better life and future for their families.

“Tsakane is one such area. The Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme is one of the most important programmes of the government, which seeks to upgrade the living conditions of millions of poor people by providing secure tenure and access to basic services and housing.

“Experience has shown that access to basic services, secure tenure and a house provides a springboard to households to improve their social and economic circumstances,” Mekgwe said.

“As we stand on this land I am proud to announce that a lot of work has been done here in preparation of building top structures. To date, internal water and sewer networks including roads and a storm water network have been completed.

“In a few months’ time we will be starting with the construction of 850 houses, and the aged, disabled, child-headed households will top the list of the beneficiaries.”

Mekgwe asked for patience from those who were still waiting to get houses.