Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Paul Mashatile pledged R147 million more to the City of Johannesburg’s housing budget, increasing the provincial grant to R292 million by February next year.
This after Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba said the pair recently discussed the serious housing challenge the City is facing.
“The City of Johannesburg is faced with a housing backlog of more than 300 000 units – the largest in the country – and if we are to progressively address this challenge, it is vital that national, provincial and local government all work together to find lasting solutions in the best interests of all our residents,” Mashaba said.
In the last financial year, the City was provided with a R411 million housing top structures grant, however, provincial government reduced this grant to R345 million in the 2016/17 adjustment budget.
READ: City gives itself 90 days to sign off housing list
In the 2017/18 financial year, provincial government opted to further reduce the grant to R145 million which would have allowed the City to build only 1 000 RDP housing units.
This additional budget is, however, dependent on the City utilising its current budget allocation.
“Should we do so, we will be allocated the additional funding through the adjustment budget in February 2018.”
The newly appointed Executive Director for Housing in the City, Moses Metileni will be integral in finding new and innovative ways to deal with the enormous housing backlog.
In the new financial year, the City also budgeted R66 million towards the Site and Service Housing Development approach. This approach means land is fully provided with services where people can then settle and be given title deeds to build their own homes.
In council, the Economic Freedom Fighters remain ever persistent that land be made available for poor people to build homes.
ALSO READ:
Much anticipated budget adjustment approved
Plans for City’s R55.9 billion
To become a member of our WhatsApp community, send your name and surname to 079 439 5345.
