The decision by the provincial government, in collaboration with the municipality, on the possible relocation of the Siyazana informal settlement is that the portion of land (a portion of Erf 3304) that was earmarked for their possible relocation will be formalised and form part of the larger housing project, taking place on Erf 3304.
Happy community
Mossel Bay's Excutive Mayor, Alderlady Marie Ferreira, welcomed the minister to Mossel Bay and thanked the residents for making available their time to discuss the housing issues that have been a concern for quite some time.
She reiterated her administration's quest to provide a workable solution to everyone's expectations and expressed the hope that the final decision will lead to a happy community.
The minister reminded the community that the intention has always been to relocate them, but that the various issues raised by the community had to been taken into account.
"It is with these issues in mind that his department and the municipality agreed to relook their options and plan for the relocation properly," the minister said.
One of the issues raised about the land initially intended for their relocation was the apparent danger of a steep incline.
Time frame
In response to a resident's question, the minister made it clear that there is no clear cut indication on a definitive time frame within which the community can expect the relocation to take place. Apart from financial and budgetary constraints, effective planning and infrastructure development will have to follow.
Electricity
On the question whether especially electricity would be made available to their current location, the new municipal director of planning and integrated services, Mr Carel Venter, explained that an application for its provision has been made to National Energy Regulator (NERSA). No promises could therefore be made, as the NERSA feedback would determine whether or when electricity could be made available.
The meeting was concluded with the indication that their ward councillor, Mr Flip du Plessis, would liaise with the community on future developments.
Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela, the Western Cape MEC of Human Settlements, the Executive Mayor, Alderlady Marie Ferreira, councillors and senior staff of the Mossel Bay Municipality met with representatives of an informal settlement in KwaNonqaba on Monday, 4 November. Photos: Nickey le Roux
ARTICLE: NICKEY LE ROUX, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
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