Beijing, China - As the buildings in the country’s inner cities have deteriorated over the years, one of the areas that government is working on is to rejuvenate inner cities to ensure they cater for the influx of people moving to cities for economic opportunities.
Addressing members of the media on the sidelines of the South Africa-China Business Forum, Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, said the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between South Africa and China in the field of sustainable housing and human settlements development will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas between the two countries.
“If you look at Beijing, they are able to have parks within the city and for us it’s very important to have a place where children can play and learn but also a place where adults can go to [for] their place of employment.
“One of the things we want to learn is how the city is managing their urbunisation but still cater for human settlements and housing. We have agreed with my counterpart that we should come to China to see how to build quicker and faster because they are able to build high rise buildings,” the Minister said in Beijing, China.
With South Africa experiencing more disasters due to climate change, Kubayi said South Africa is keen on learning from China about alternative building technologies.
“Many of our businesses in South Africa are looking at establishing building technologies and manufacturing capacity, as well as financing and property development. Our businesses have not been able to tap into that market. The MoU unlocks that even for entrepreneurs.
“We are also looking at China’s manufacturing capacity so we can also do it at home and create jobs. We have engagements that are coming up with investment banks. We are looking for funding to [reach] entrepreneurs, so that property developers can be supported,” the Minister said.
The Minister is part of the of the delegation that has joined President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State Visit to China. - SAnews.gov.za
