STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF HOUSING AFTER A MEETING WITH MECs AND HOUSING INSTITUIONS, SHERATON HOTEL,
PRETORIA, JULY 15, 2004

We have met with our MECs to look at some of the current housing developments that are facing us. MEC Mokonyane briefed us on measures Gauteng has taken to address the situation in Protea Glen and also on systems they have put in place to ensure that all the issues raised by the community of Diepsloot are addressed.

It is clear that we need to ensure that our people have access to full information on developmental plans in their communities to be able to fully participate in implementation of those plans.

At National we have decided to set up a national call centre to handle daily enquiries on housing developments.

Through the call centre the public can access information on subsidies, waiting lists and general housing information. The call centre is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 every weekday.

The number is 0800 1 HOUSE (46873)

In our discussions we also agreed to establish Housing information hubs in all our townships and rural areas. These information hubs will empower communities with details of project plans in their area and progress on implementation. Communities will also access general government information.

MEC Mokonyane also briefed us on measures they are putting in place to deal with allegations of fraud and corruption in the allocation of housing process in Diepsloot and in other areas in our provinces. We are satisfied that they are dealing with this matter.

We believe that these information hubs coupled with briefings to organised structures in our communities will empower our people with information to participate in the implementation of projects in their area.

The Minister and MECs understands very well the danger that is posed by informal settlements to the health and safety of the community. It is with this understanding that war has been declared on shacks.

Our war on shacks is not going to be fought without a strategy. The document we would be providing to cabinet will look at a number of plans on how we can house people who are currently living in shacks in safe and dignified houses.

Thank you.