By Karen Pretorius
HOUSING Minister Lindiwe Sisulu took her Cabinet colleagues on a tour of the N2 Gateway Project yesterday to view progress made with the construction of houses there.
N2 Gateway is the local pilot project of government's Comprehensive Human Settlement Plan, which is aimed at eradicating informal settlements around the country.
The Inter Ministerial Council (IMC) expressed satisfaction with the work under way at the Joe Slovo site in Langa.
"Four months ago there were just shacks, with people living in abject conditions. I'm very proud of what we are doing here," Dr Sisulu said.
With 80 units completed, and several others at roof-height, the contractors have promised that Joe Slovo Phase One will be completed within the next month.
Dr Sisulu said two auditing firms have been contracted to amalgamate the province's various housing waiting lists on a single database.
The firms have met with residents to explain the allocation process, with an "impressive buy-in" from the community. "We've got to make sure the community knows how the waiting list works," she said.
Some of those who will move to Joe Slovo are currently housed in temporary shelters elsewhere in Langa.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs, Dirk du Toit, said he is impressed with the progress made.
He said a joint task team between the two departments was discussing land acquisition for housing delivery.
Advocate Du Toit said the N2 Gateway project is an example of good cooperation between the different spheres of government. "That is the only way we're going to solve this problem," he said.
The N2 Gateway will deliver 22 000 houses through upgrades of existing housing such as hostels, and construction of new houses.
The project stretches along the N2 highway from Cape Town International Airport to District Six in the city.
Source: BuaNews
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