Gauteng Department of Human Settlements MEC Ntombi Mekgwe has announced that her department has together with the City of Johannesburg reached an agreement with the residents of Princess Plot after a meeting where plans of houses were presented and welcomed by residents.
The MEC said 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 Plot in Roodeport.
The residents in the area went into rampage in service delivery protest which started last week Tuesday where they threw stones at motorists.
They also bombed a site office of the contractor who is supposed to start with the implementation of the project.
CoJ MMC for Human Settlements Dan Bovu met with the community on Wednesday to convey the message on behalf of MEC Mekgwe.
The MEC said the protest was not necessary because the contractor was already on site to start with the implementation of the project.
“There was no need for them to embark in 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.
Mekgwe said the contractor will move back on site on 3 February 2014 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 need 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 Plot project will comprise of two phases, comprising 3500 human settlements opportunities. Mekgwe said phase 1 will commence with a yield of 281 units.
The department together with the City of Johannesburg will also resume with the registration of beneficiaries to ensure that all members of the community are recorded.
The community members will be also be requested to produce proof of their shack number when doing registration for the project. – SAnews.gov.za
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