Question NW878 to the Minister of Human Settlements
04 May 2016 - NW878
Madisha, Mr WM to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1)Whether, in view of the great historical significance of Sharpeville, her department has implemented any plans to transform the human settlements in the area in a manner and to an extent to express in an appropriate manner the lasting appreciation of South Africans to what had happened there on 21 March 1960; if not, why not; if so, in which way has human settlements in Sharpeville been uplifted and rewarded for helping to overthrow Apartheid; (2) whether she will make a statement on the necessity to accord Sharpeville and the human settlements of its surrounding area the attention and gratitude it deserves
Reply:
(1) Since 1994, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has made substantial progress to better the lives of the residents of Sharpeville and surrounding areas. It has provided 4 582 BNG houses to the beneficiaries and the details of the housing projects completed are provided below:
- Tshepiso : 1 144 houses
- Tshepiso North Extension 1: 278 houses
- Tshepiso South Extension 1: 254 houses
- Tshepiso North Extension 3: 1 432 houses
- Tshepiso North Extension 4: 976 houses
- Boipatong : 498 houses
In addition, the Provincial Department is planning for the following projects in the surrounding areas of Sharpeville that will deliver in total 10 629 BNG and Social Housing units:
- Tshepiso North Extension 4: 1 149 houses
- Leeuwkuil : 2 980 houses
- Vereeniging Old Hospital : 1 500 Social Housing units
- Vaal River City : 5 000 houses
(2) It is not necessary given the projects that have been completed and those that are still being planned for in Sharpeville and surrounding areas. Save to say, this government is committed to ensure that the lives of our people are improved and their dignity restored through the provision of sustainable human settlements.