Mabuza takes mayors to task about unoccupied houses

MBOMBELA – The premier, Mr David Mabuza has taken Lekwa and Mbombela municipalities to task over government-built houses and hostels that have been standing unoccupied for at least two years.
Speaking at a two-day Premier’s Coordinating Forum in Mbombela on Tuesday, Mabuza demanded answers from the leadership of these municipalities, as to why the houses and hostels are unoccupied by their owners when a number of people have no shelter.
The municipalities, in collaboration with the provincial government, are deliberating on the strategic plans for the 2016/17 financial year with the premier.

During the discussion, the Department of Human Settlements reported that many houses it has built for the two municipalities have been unoccupied for a while and there are concerns of possible vandalism.
Mabuza said he expected an explanation as early as yesterday and demanded that both the houses and the hostels be occupied immediately by its rightful owners.
There are 500 unoccupied houses in Lekwa Local Municipality, and another
500 units in City of Mbombela.
“People are waiting for their houses, and we are failing to explain to them why they cannot rightfully occupy their homes. If this is how we work as government, it is disgusting and cannot be tolerated. This is what causes unnecessary conflict between us and our people. Are we really ready to govern? This is an indication of bad planning. It is clear that we invaded the land and decided to build houses without taking into account integrated services required by the people in such settlements. At the end, we realise that people cannot occupy the houses because there are no services.
“I want the houses occupied by their owners immediately. Let us avoid such mistakes; they are unnecessary and costly. I need answers by tomorrow. Thereafter, the respective mayors should go and explain to the people as to when they will be able to move into their houses,” said Mabuza.
Again, during the meeting, it was agreed that the province should undertake a process of establishing at least two metropolitan municipalities.

This will eliminate unguided settlement growth, informal settlements resulting in rising costs to eradicate them, assist with proper resettlement of communities, and the provision of basic services.
The two envisaged metros would be a consolidation of Emalahleni, Steve Tshwete, Victor Khanye and Emakhazeni municipalities on one hand, and the consolidation of City of Mbombela and Nkomazi municipalities.

Another consolidation will be explored around Govan Mbeki as a neighbouring municipality.