HOUSING MINISTER AND DELEGATION ARRIVES IN NETHERLANDS FOR THE WORLD HABITAT DAY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE.
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Sunday, September 30, 2007, The Hague, Netherlands, The two day International conference hosted jointly by the Netherlands Government and UN Habitat to celebrate World Habitat Day has started. Speakers invited to address the conference include the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-moon and the Executive Director of UN Habitat, Ms Anna K Tibaijuka. In recognition of the achievement of the South African Government in providing decent shelter to its people, the Netherlands Minister of Housing, Communities and Integration invited Minister Sisulu to deliver the key note address.
Minister Sisulu will address the Conference on its theme, “A safe city is a just city” focusing her speech on South Africa’s urbanization challenges. As the chairperson of the African Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development (AMCHUD) the Minister will also pay special focus on African immigration, urbanization and post conflict reconstruction challenges, possible solutions and the commitments of African Governments to achieve Millennium Development Goals.
The two Ministers (South Africa and Netherlands) will also have a bilateral discussion focused on strengthening co-operation between the two countries to support housing delivery in South Africa. They will also review progress on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2004 in the area of Social housing and urban development and management.
Among key programmes currently being implemented through the MOU is the provision of short-term technical assistance, knowledge and good practice exchange and skills development in the area of Rental Housing. Other local partners involved in the implementation of the MoU include SALGA and Social Housing Foundation.
A South African rental housing project, Madulamoho Housing Association is also to be presented as a successful case study on how to transform problem neighborhoods into vibrant communities. This project focuses on the work of the Gauteng Housing Department and the City of Joburg in the Hillbrow area. The Europa Hotel conversion was part the Better Buildings Programme initiated in 1997 with a budget of more than R40 million to provide affordable rental accommodation for inner city residents.
Europa House now offers affordable rental accommodation, short stay rental units and rooms as well as emergency shelter facilities.
The World Habitat Day conference will continue until the 2nd of October with delegates from across the World focusing on issues related to restitution of land, houses and properties to returning refugees, reconstruction and peace building.
Issued by: Housing Media Services.
Enquiries contact: Ndivhuwo Mabaya on 083 645 7838
Date: 30 September 2007
ENDS