Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu paid a visit to Cosmo City to celebrate the successful mixed-housing development built ten years ago.
Sisulu listened to residents’ complaints and compliments, as she and her delegates, that included her deputy Zou Kota and MEC for Human Settlements and Co-operative Governance, Paul Mashatile, toured the developed Cosmo City.
The region is a mix of fully mortgaged, and government-subsidised (or RDP) houses.Cosmo City residents gathered at the multi purpose centre where Sisulu spoke passionately about the development that was in line with government’s housing strategy that has so far seen 4.3 million houses built throughout South Africa since democracy was achieved. Sisulu was speaking at the celebration of the national launch of the 4.3 million houses and opportunities held in Cosmo City on 21 April.
She addressed issues raised by the residents such as the enclosure of dams that residents claimed had seen several children drowning in recent times. “We as government pledge that residents’ issues will be addressed and the fencing of the dams will be done as a matter of priority. The additional issue of sports facilities will also be dealt with,” Sisulu promised.
She also pledged that funding for the additional projects would be provided for by government and that sponsors would not be sought.
She pointed out that the 4.3 million houses built thus far was a feat that no other country had achieved. “The overreaching message that we as government want to say as we celebrate this feat, is that we have given homes to 20 million people and it is achievable in this lifetime. The dream that we had so many years ago has been realised,” she declared.
She pointed out that the mixed-housing development was able to provide sustainable living for the residents as it had a positive effect on the manufacturing and retail sector in providing jobs and this assisted to alleviate poverty.
She noted in her speech that there was around 200 houses that did not have electricity and pledged that money would be signed over to install electricity in
these houses.
Details: Department of Human Settlement, 012 421 1695.
