525 social housing units for people without homes
Ward 55 residents are joyful as a housing project is launched.
THE executive mayor for the City of Johannesburg Herman Mashaba and MMC for Housing Meshack van Wyk have launched a housing project to deliver 525 social housing units to Ward 55 residents in Turffontein. The event took place on November 20.
The housing project has been made possible by the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO).
Clr Mashaba was all praise for the work done by the housing company. He said said lack of housing has posed a huge challenge for the city, a problem that has severely affected the poor.
He noted that since the onset of democracy, the city had grown but the ordinary people have been forgotten with regards to housing allocation.
“When I took over this administration, I came out with what is known as nine medal priorities. One of those priorities is to commit myself to serve those in need. These units are meant for South Africans. If the MMC doesn’t take care of these units, he will be challenging me,” explained Mashaba.
He went on to state that no church will be allowed to conduct activities in the units because residents end up being victimised. The audience applauded Mashaba’s pronouncement about not allowing church activities to take place in the units.
Residents are not yet permitted to settle in the units because they have not not been electrified, but Mashaba said he had already had discussions with City Power. He promised electricity would be installed in the next two weeks.
The one-bedroom and two-bedroom communal rental units have been targeted for residents who earn between R1 500 to R15 000 a month.
Van Wyk told the COURIER the beneficiaries would be speedily allocated houses, and the council would ensure to prevent illegal occupation.
“I am happy to see such project being completed for our people. Also, I would like to thank JOSHCO for doing such a magnificent job,” he said.
Ntswaki Naile, one of the beneficiaries said, “I am excited to see I will be in my new home. My landlord is giving me a hard time, but at least now I will be in my new home which is all about peace.”
Ward 55 councillor Rashieda Landis thanked her steering committee for making the project become a success.
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