Question NW1554 to the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
17 June 2021 - NW1554
Powell, Ms EL to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
(1)Whether the residents of Jika Joe Informal Settlement will benefit from the council rental units (CRU) that are currently under construction in Ward 33, in Msunduzi, which will be known as Tathum Mews CRU’s; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) (a) how will the allocation of the Tathum Mews CRU’s in Ward 33 be managed, (b) what are the rental costs for each CRU at Tathum Mews and (c) by what date will (i) such allocations and (ii) rental agreements be concluded; (3) whether the beneficiary list for persons qualifying for council rental assistance from the Msunduzi Local Municipality in respect of Tathum Mews has been finalised; if not, why not; if so, will she furnish Ms E L Powell with the beneficiary list?
Reply:
(1) Honourable Member, I have been informed that the residents of Jika Joe Informal Settlements will benefit from the rental units under construction in Msunduzi Local Municipality. They are the primary beneficiaries of the new development as per the target market of the CRU Policy. The project is still in the first phase of construction.
(2) (a) The process of allocation has commenced per the Tenant Management Plan approved by Council and in line with the CRU Allocation Policy. Several community engagements have been held, requesting people to register at the office located at the CRU Complex.
(b) The rental charges range from R500 to R800 per month and are calculated at 30% of income.
(c) (i) It is anticipated that the first occupation will take place by 1 July 2021.
(ii) Rental agreements are expected to be concluded by the end of June 2021.
(3) A social survey of residents of the informal settlements was undertaken in 2018 and the information was updated in February 2021. The list of prospective tenants for the CRU project is available, however, we are not in a position to share it as it contains confidential individual personal details.