JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE RESOLUTION OF THE NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN COUNCIL HOUSING PROBLEMS

The three spheres of government have consolidated the resolution of the problems of the problems in the Nelson Mandela Metro. The spheres were represented by the National Housing Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, the Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela, the MEC of Housing, Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Sam Kwelita and the Nelson Mandela Mayor, Nceba Faku have met to address the recent housing problems that arose in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Council. 

A technical committee comprised of officials of the three government spheres presented a report to the parties who then considered some of the critical issues that gave rise to the demonstrations within the metro. 

The parties acknowledged that there was lack of adequate and effective communication among all stakeholders including the affected communities. 

It has been recognized that whilst the metro has made considerable strides in building capacity in the area of housing delivery, capability still remains a challenge. Therefore, the three spheres of government have agreed to work together to address this issue. 

 In this regard, in line with the Minister’s budget vote, the accreditation process of the Metro will be accelerated. The accreditation process will entail allocating resources for capacity building.  With an improved capacity, the metro can better administer the housing programme, with the provincial government playing an oversight role in line with the Provincial Growth and Development Plan. This accreditation will give rise to a stabler environment and predictability in terms of resource allocation to the Metro. 

In recognition of the enormous housing backlog, Government is continuously increasing the housing budget. In the current financial year 2005/6, the national housing department allocated R581 million to the Eastern Cape Province of which R162 million (which is 27 percent of the total provincial housing budget) went to the Metro. 

Within the context of Breaking New Ground Human Settlement Plan, all three spheres of Government, including the Premier, confirm that Soweto on Sea has been identified as a ministerial pilot project.

As part of accelerating the process of housing delivery in the province, the MEC will convene a special Municipal and MEC meeting (MuniMEC), to be attended by all the Mayors, Municipal Managers, and Municipal Housing Heads on the 2^nd June 2005. 

It is, however, imperative that the public understands that Government operates with limited resources. The challenge of the housing backlog requires integrated planning, appropriate, effective and efficient allocation and use of resources. 

Against this background, the parties express regret for the demonstrations especially if there is an open channel of communication between government and communities.  

ISSUED JOINTLY BY EC PREMIER, MINISTER OF HOUSING, MEC OF HOUSING AND MAYOR OF NELSON MANDELA METRO 

DATE: 24 MAY 2005 

MEDIA CONTACT:

THABANG CHILOANE
MINISTERIAL SPOKESPERSON
Cell: 082 8888 783