Newly appointed Minister for Human Settlements Lindiwe Sisulu says her immediate priority will be to fast track housing delivery and ensure that there is more affordable housing stock in the market.

Sisulu who served as Minister in the same portfolio in 2004 added that the provision of housing was not only about chasing numbers but ensuring that all houses built by government are of high quality that affords beneficiaries decent accommodation.

“Our primary task is to ensure that we provide decent housing and create an environment whereby the private sector will invest in low income housing projects to cater for those who do not qualify for government subsidised houses and also do not qualify for bond houses,”she said.

During her tenure as Human Settlements Minister, Sisulu saw to the implementation of the Integrated Human Settlements Plan, currently being implemented by all provinces, endorsed by the United Nation’s as a framework for creating sustainable human settlements for communities.

Sisulu added that her new job was more difficult than the previous time she held the post because as the Chairperson of the ANC’s Social Transformation Committee she knew very well the difficult task at hand and will be calling upon on role players in the housing sector to join hands with government in the provision of houses.

“Human Settlements will play a major role in ensuring that the commitments we made as the African National Congress to our people of improving their living conditions becomes a reality in our lifetime. The President has made it clear to all of us that the next five years are about fast tracked service delivery, and I am happy that I have been given this task of leading such a critical service delivery department,” she added.

The National Development Plan, added Sisulu, clearly indicates that Apartheid planning consigned the majority of South African to places far away from work where services could be sustained and this will have to be dealt with ensure an improved lifestyle them.

Sisulu further thanked the team at her previous department the Public Service and Administration for the work that was done within the short period of time she was there.

“Our biggest task at the department was to align the department with the National Development Plan and finalise the Public Administration Management Bill which lays the foundation for an efficient public service. In this regard we have put all measures in place to ensure that government improves the way it does business with it citizens,” she said.

Sisulu also pledged her support to the incoming Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Mr Collins Chabane and said will be available to assist him in settling in. “For my part am looking forward to going back home and fast track the delivery houses for our people”.

Issued by Ndivhuwo Mabaya, Ministerial Spokesperson Contact number : 083 645 7838