Question NW4194 to the Minister of Human Settlements

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17 December 2015 - NW4194

Profile picture: Ollis, Mr IM

Ollis, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Human Settlements

(1)With reference to her reply to question 2095 on 23 June 2015, (a) will she request copies of the two specified reports from the SA Human Rights Commission and the City of Johannesburg Metro or (b) should Mr I M Ollis himself deliver copies of the specified reports to her personally; (2) what steps will she take to improve the dangerous conditions in the (a) Madala Men's Hostel and (b) Helen Joseph Women's Hostel in Alexandra, Johannesburg?

Reply:

(1) (a) & (b) Dear Honourable member, it is important that the lines of accountability, responsibility and the reporting protocols are observed. Accordingly, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has been requested to make its report available to the Department of Human Settlements on the relevant matters as contained in the press statement released by the SAHRC.

(2) The Department already has a programme, which caters for the City of Johannesburg, which allows for the improvement of the hazardous conditions not only in the hostels but all areas where households find themselves in precarious living conditions. This will include the Madala Men's Hostel and Helen Joseph Women's Hostel in Alexandra, Johannesburg. The City of Johannesburg together with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements have advised that they will create additional housing opportunities in and around the Alexandra area in order to accommodate families instead of individuals and also relocate individuals and families out of the two hostels mentioned, to available housing opportunities within Alexandra.    

As an interim measure the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements have access to relevant grants to redress the current “dangerous” conditions referred to and this includes provision of emergency housing in the form of temporary relocation areas and/or structures.

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