Lebogang Maile, Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Urban Planning and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) visited the Montrose Mega City Development to asses the challenges that are stalling the handout of RDP houses, among other things.
The visit was part of the MEC’s crusade in parts of the West Rand where he handed out title deeds to residents on Monday, 19 April.
In an exclusive interview with the Herald, the MEC said, “We are here (at Montrose) to get first-hand information on the challenges and problems that are being experienced by the developers, including the municipality and the department,” Maile said.
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During the visit, Maile also discovered that lack of funds are slowing down the development which has not been completed on time, and is depriving people of the houses they desperately need. It ultimately will affect the local economy, he said.
The Herald also alerted the MEC to constant cries about the deteriorating infrastructure causing sewer blockages and potholes on the roads that have left many unhappy.
He said the problem is much bigger than what people can image, but he encouraged people to take part in programmes like the Integrated Development Plan (IPD) to give their inputs.
“We have also agreed with the mayor on how we can re-prioritise funds to make sure that we address the issues both as provincial government and as a municipality, because it is our collective problem and we should take care of it,” Maile said.
Executive Mayor Brenda Mahuma has reiterated that residents should honour paying their rates and taxes as it will help better service delivery.
“People need to know that the municipality will only be able to continue to deliver services regularly if funds are paid continuously. There is no way we can continue giving people services if they don’t pay their rates and taxes,” Mahuma said.
