Tshwane gets a new housing programme

The newly elected Mayor of Tshwane, Solly Msimang, said he has a plan to deal with the housing challenge facing the city.

The city, he says, will establish a housing programme that allocates housing opportunities in a clear and transparent manner.

“Together we will work to address the issues of housing for the residents of Mamelodi, Hammanskraal and Pienaarspoort.

“In 2014/15, the housing backlog in Tshwane stood at over 120 000, while the number of informal settlements had increased to over 170.”

He said the city will also work with the community to fight crime.

“We are committed to ensuring that the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department is empowered with the skills and equipment necessary to turn the tide against crime in our city.

“Together we will fight the scourge of gangsterism and drug use that fuel a vicious cycle of crime and violence in communities such as Atteridgeville, Kungwini and Eersterust.”

Another top priority is job creation.

“We will reinvigorate the economy of this city to create jobs for those in communities such as Nokeng, Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve who struggle as a result of chronic unemployment.” 

He said business growth needs to be stimulated through incentives such as rate rebates and preferential tariff structures. The implementation of job zones in Babelegi, Ekandustria and Ga-Rankuwa will also be investigated.

“We will make sure that these job zones have a coordinated service delivery plan to ensure adequate electricity and a stable, clean water supply.”

He said he also plans to make the city more business friendly. 

“As Executive Mayor I pledge to do everything in my power to remove the obstacles that small businesses and the informal economy – key engines of job creation – face in this city, allowing them to flourish.

“Together we will work to eliminate red tape and simplify regulations, especially those relating to zoning, planning approvals, health and safety, traffic and licensing.”

He said he is ready to work with anyone who shares his commitments to good governance and turning Tshwane into the capital of service delivery and job