Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has called on the department’s entities and branches responsible for informal settlements to work together to intensify the informal settlements upgrading programme and ensure the provision of essential services and adequate shelter.
“We need to urgently develop a strategy and plan to address the proliferation of informal settlements across the country with a special focus in the big cities and metros,” Simelane said.
The Minister made the call at the inauguration of human settlements entities’ boards and councils in Kempton Park on Friday.
The session introduced and empowered newly appointed boards and council members to the human settlements value chain.
In her address, Simelane underscored the need to address the spatial legacy of colonialism and apartheid, which perpetuates inequalities in land access and homeownership, with most people living in concentrated, poverty-stricken areas with limited access to social and economic amenities without security of tenure.
The Minister noted the department’s commitment to deliver 237 000 housing units for households earning less than R3 500 per month, prioritising well located land near economic opportunities and social amenities.
She said the Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses and Catalytic Projects were being implemented to integrate housing, transport, economic activities, and social services.
Efforts would require that the department work in collaboration and ensure that the boards and councils play their crucial role of oversight and support, to ensure efficiency.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that there are sustainable human settlements, and we help to transform the spatial legacy of apartheid and build an inclusive society in line with the priorities of the seventh administration, as earlier articulated.
“We must use the legislation and other empowering provisions at our disposal to restore the dignity of the historically disenfranchised,” Simelane said.
The Minister acknowledged the serious problem of blocked housing projects facing the department and its entities.
The Minister called for support of the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP,) now known as the First Home Finance (FHF) Programme, and to make sure it gains the necessary traction to reach the targeted people.
“It might have not been adequately marketed, and it is the responsibility of the NHFC to make sure the programme is well communicated. Surprisingly, after I mentioned this programme during the SONA (State of the nation Address) debate, a lot of people started making enquiries about it, we will therefore have to lift our messaging in this regard.
“This will in earnest address the issues of limited housing finance for the missing middle. It will also contribute to the noble efforts of the transformation of the property market and enhance the government’s participation in the housing finance,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
