Question NW39 to the Minister of Human Settlements
06 March 2024 - NW39
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
Whether there are systemic issues and/or broader challenges in the implementation of the plan to construct 1 million houses in Stjwetla; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what measures have been taken to address the challenges to ensure the timely delivery of housing, not only in Alexandra, but also nationwide. 2) In light of the above the collaboration with stakeholders in Stjwetla, how does her department intend to extend its engagement to the national level, fostering collaboration with various political parties, community leaders and advocacy groups, to create a comprehensive strategy for addressing housing issues whilst ensuring transparency and avoiding similar delays in other regions of the Republic?
Reply:
- The government never announced any programme to implement 1 million houses in Stwetla. Further. the land in which the Stjwetla Informal Settlement is located is not suitable for human habitation. However, there are portions of land parcels in Frankenstein and Linksfield areas where the City of Johannesburg is finalising plans with various stakeholders to build approximately 40,000 (forty thousand) houses to cater, including those in the Stjwetla informal settlement households.
- The City of Joburg is engaging with the residents through the ward councillor, and the leadership in the affected areas in and around Stjwetla. The City of Joburg has through the appointed consultants also established a broad Social Facilitation, Communications and Stakeholder Plan to foster collaboration among all key stakeholders including but not limited to all spheres of government, various affected communities through their community leaders and advocacy groups.