Scores of Soweto families move into brand new homes

14 July 2016

 

More than 120 families from the Protea South informal settlement in Soweto, Region D, will soon move into their brand new homes in the multimillion-rand integrated Lufhereng housing development, west of Dobsonville.

 

Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Parks Tau made the announcement on Wednesday July 13 during the launch of the R31.8-million Protea South Electrification Project.

The Lufhereng housing development, which on completion will boost 24 000 units, is one of the biggest projects the City of Johannesburg has ever been involved in to address the housing shortage. The development will consist of 7 500 RDP houses, 7 000 bonded properties as well rental stock and social housing units.

In total, 3 100 families from Protea South will be relocated to Lufhereng, according to the City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Housing Cllr Dan Bovu. Other residents of Lufhereng will come from other parts of Soweto, where they at present live in back yard rooms and shacks. More than 1 800 families are already living in Lufhereng, a joint project between the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements.

Standing on more than 2000 hectares, the project was launched in 2008 and is due for completion in 2023. It is part of the City’s R690-million planned capital expenditure, spread over three years to 2017, for bulk infrastructure including roads and storm water drainage system. A second storm water attenuation pond as well as bulk sewer and bulk water services will form part of the project.

A R47-mllion state-of-the-art school has already been built. Sports and recreation facilities, a community centre, clinics and other amenities will also be provided.

Mayor Tau thanked Protea South residents for co-operating with the City when the decision was taken to relocate people from the area because of dolomitic conditions.

“We had intended to build houses here but we stopped because the land was unsuitable. The community listened and we found alternative land in Lufhereng to accommodate you. But even as we move people there, we will continue to deliver services here. That is why the Johannesburg Roads Agency is upgrading roads and Eskom is providing electricity. We as the City decided to normalise service delivery by bringing water and toilets as well. We know the electrification of phase 3 is still outstanding. That will be done,” he said.