Government must be honest about housing

13 July 2007 - 02:00
By unknown

I hope that residents of Thembelihle in Lenasia will get some honest answers when they meet mayor Amos Masondo.

I hope that residents of Thembelihle in Lenasia will get some honest answers when they meet mayor Amos Masondo.

Member of the mayoral committee for housing, councillor Strike Ralegoma, said at the last council meeting that communities protest to demonstrate their support for the ANC. What planet is he living on?

If the ANC continues telling people that all informal settlements will be eradicated by 2014, we will continue to see communities across the country protesting violently. It is imperative that the government be honest with housing applicants about when they will get houses.

The housing lists should be made public so that applicants can see exactly where they stand in relation to other applicants. This will help to address accusations of corruption and nepotism.

The ANC, and specifically housing MEC Nomvula Mokonyane, have refused my request to see the lists and they have ignored an application submitted in terms of the Access to Information Act.

Why have we not heard any meaningful response from Premier Mbhazima Shilowa or Mokonyane on the Thembelihle protests? They made promises to the community in 2003 and must now be held accountable. Delivery lists and deadlines are essential to hold authorities accountable if they don't deliver.

Kate Lorimer, DA spokesman on housing, Gauteng