Provincial government commits itself in delivery

Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa said that all the informal settlers in
Delmore will be moved to developed areas.

The Premier was speaking to the residents of Delmore in Ekrhuleni during provincial government's imbizo aimed on direct interaction with communities.

A three year Programme to commence in July, was initiated by the Provincial Government and the Ekrhuleni Metro Municipality and will see residents form Chris Hani, Kanana, and Jerusalem and other surrounding settlements moved to well located lands.

Some of these residents, particularly in Jerusalem have erected shacks in a mine dump. There are gaping sinking holes in the area, hence the government wants to move these residents out of danger. Shilowa said every person would be moved to an area yet to be announced and all the existing structures will be destroyed. “We will take the corrugated irons to prevent the mushrooming of new settlements”, Shilowa pointed out.

Also speaking at the event was the Gauteng Housing MEC Nomvula Mokonyane, who said the relocation of these settlements will contribute toward the mixed income residential area. This project, (mixed income) will have low cost and rental housing stock.

“People will be trained so that they can participate in the building of their own houses through the Peoples Housing Process (PHP) and Community Builders Programme (CBP). And local people will be used in the construction of houses and infrastructure,” said Mokonyane.

She encouraged the residents to fight corruption by engaging the municipality in reporting culprits who masquerade as government officials or committee members.

Mayor of Ekrhuleni Duma Nkosi urged the people to cooperate so that the municipality can speed up the process of relocation. “We want our people to have water and sanitation.” Nkosi also told the residents that they ensure that that there is a budget to buy and use available land. However, he called on the councilors to be more visible and work with communities.