Princess Informall Settlement housing project to start soon
Construction to start in February.
Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDHS) MEC Ntombi Mekgwe announced that her department together with the City of Johannesburg have reached an agreement with the residents of Princess informal settlement.
This came after a meeting on 22 January between MMC for Human Settlements Dan Bovu and the residents, where plans of houses were presented to residents. Bovu met with the residents on behalf of Mekgwe.
According to Mekgwe the department has purchased 13 out of 14 portions of land for the development of a housing project that will yield 3500 houses for the qualifying residents of Princess informal settlement.
Mekgwe criticised the recent protests, saying it was not necessary because the contractor already was on site to start with the implementation of the project.
“There was no need for them to embark on this violent protest as we had started with plans to deliver the houses. We would like to plead with the residents to rally behind the project so that it is completed on time for them to move in,” said Mekgwe.
She said the contractor will move back on site on 3 February to re-establish the destroyed site office.
The MEC also condemned the destruction of properties and stoning of people’s cars. Mekgwe said this is not the way people should raise their concern.
“Continuation of destruction of properties by residents is worrying and needs to be addressed. We can’t continue like there are no platforms for people to make their points heard. Destruction of properties will divert attention from the real issues at hand,” said Mekgwe.
She said the Princess informal settlement project comprises two phases, making up 3500 human settlements opportunities. Mekgwe said phase 1 will commence with a yield of 281 units.
The GDHS together with the City of Johannesburg will resume with the registration of beneficiaries to ensure that all members of the community are recorded. The community members will be requested to produce proof of their shack number when registering for the project.
Related articles:
Update: Protests to continue but land-occupation rumours unfound
