Upgrade for informal settlements
2009-07-29 17:17
Johannesburg - The City of Johannesburg plans to upgrade all informal settlements by 2014, mayor Amos Masondo said on Wednesday.
"This programme is part of a bigger programme in restoring the dignity of our people," Masondo said at the council chambers in Braamfontein.
About 180 informal settlements, comprising 200 000 households, in and around Johannesburg have been identified, and would be upgraded, he said.
The main objective was to legally recognise the settlements and provide security, water, electricity, ownership of land, improved roads, and recognisable addresses, amongst other services.
"The city has undertaken feasibility studies on approximately 70% of informal settlements, and these are currently the subject of a formalisation and upgrading processes.
"The remaining 30% will be subject to detailed feasibility studies in the new financial year."
The settlements would be formalised simultaneously so that the process would not be long and tedious.
In certain cases residents would have to be removed from their dwellings, instead of having them upgraded.
Masondo said in this instance to avoid protests, residents would be given adequate warning by their councillors.
"We have already given them some certainty that they won't be moved tomorrow, we have also had consults [sic] with people in certain communities and have been given the go ahead."
- SAPA
