​Gauteng MEC for CoGTA and Human Settlements, Dikgang Uhuru Moiloa is concerned by the continuous hardships faced by the residents of Setjwetla informal settlements in Alexandra, because of the lack of suitable land.
This comes after fire destroyed hundreds of shacks in the informal settlement, leaving close to 300 people including children homeless with their belongings lost in the ordeal.
MEC Moiloa said that the continuous incidents of fire and flooding in informal settlements across Alexandra were unfortunate but will continue unless the City of Johannesburg enforces by-laws and law and order is enforced.
"The people of Alexandra also need to respect the rule of law, abide by the by-laws in the City and not build shelters in areas where their safety is compromised. The City of Johannesburg must act against lawlessness in Alexandra," said MEC Moiloa.
The Gauteng Disaster Management team is continuing to provide humanitarian aid relief to assist the displaced families rebuild their households. It is also collaborating with NGOs to provide food, blankets and clothing to the people.
MEC Moiloa said that he will soon convene a meeting with the Minister for Rural Development and Land Reform, Gugile Nkwinti, to seek to resolve the challenge of land ownership and restitution for development and reconstruction to resume in Alexandra.
"However, I am sceptical about the success of the resolution as the City of Johannesburg's Mayor Herman Mashaba and his council have reversed the progress made between the Alex Property and land owners, the City and Provincial Government.
In addition, MEC Moiloa noted that the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and Gauteng Provincial Government can only develop and modernise Alexandra once the land issue and title deeds have been resolved in Alexandra.
"I would like to urge Mayor Mashaba and his council to come to the table, cooperate with other stakeholders involved in this matter, to enhance the living conditions of the people of Alexandra and assist us in the quest to restore the dignity of our people," concluded MEC Moiloa.