ARP’s Imbizo takes project to the people
The Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP) recently took to the streets
organizing various road shows and public gatherings, to listen and
attend to the views and concerns of the residents regarding its
activities. This is what the residents had to say:
Question: What is block by block development in the Old Alex?
Answer: It simply means that, households living on the areas or
blocks identified to implement housing projects or living under
conditions not suitable for human settlement, will be relocate to make
way for the redevelopment of such areas. There is going to be a
registration - those who qualify for a housing subsidy, will be
allocated houses in the Greater Alex, and those who do not qualify,
will also be assisted to get rental houses.
Question: Did Tsutsumane make any impact to de-densify the Old
Alex when people where given houses in the new area?
Answer: It didn’t make any impact because when people where allocated
houses in Tsutsumane their shacks or structures in Old Alex were not
demolished, some simply rented it out. The objective to de-densify the
area was not achieved. At least, with block to block approach there
will be visible changes.
Question: What is being done about people, who have been allocated
houses in Braamfisherville, but are back in Alex?
Answer: Once a person has been given an RDP house in one area,
cannot qualify for a second house in another area. A person allocated
a house in Braamfisherville will not be given a second house in Alex.
Question: Why are shacks in other areas being removed, but others
are left untouched by Metro Police and Bongani security?
Answer: They are simply enforcing by-laws, which prohibit erections
of illegal structures. Some shacks are being removed to facilitate
development in the area.
Question: Why are retailers at Pan Africa not employing locals?
Answer: It is the ARP’s policy to encourage businesses that invest
in Alex, to employ local labour, however big retailers have their own
policies on recruitment, some use their own agencies to employ staff.
The ARP will constantly strive to engage them to employ locals
whenever an opportunity arises.
Question: Ext 7 what is happening?
Answer: The ARP is building more than 1400 housing units.
Question: Why are those who were born in Alex and still
living with their parents in bonded houses not being given first
priority for housing allocation?
Answer: In terms of National Housing Act every person has a right
to be given a house if they qualify. To qualify for an RDP house one
has to meet the following criteria:
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Must be South African citizen with a valid ID. |
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Be over 21 years. |
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Have dependants. |
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Earn between R0-R3,500 per month. |
Question: Why are illegal immigrants being given
houses?
Answer: No, illegal immigrant are not being given houses by the
ARP. Any person who is in South Africa illegally or is not a citizen
does not qualify for a house. The ARP works closely with different
security agencies, including the home affairs to help deport illegal
immigrants.
Question: Is there any ARP programme
for Kew?
Answer: The ARP focus is to implement major programmes within Alex,
however, the ARP approach is to integrate Alex with its surrounding
neighbours to promote integrated local economy.
Question:
What is being done about those that jump the waiting list queue, to be
considered for housing allocation ahead of those who applied in 1996 C
form registrations?
Answer: The 1996 C form does not necessarily constitute a waiting
list. It is a database. During 20 October 1996, more than 440 people
registered at the same time at different points. Currently, the
database has more than 14,000 people who have applied for housing. If
your C form is approved, it simply means that you have not taken a
housing opportunity or subsidy elsewhere in the country. And if such
an opportunity arises you shall be given a house.
Question: What happened to Thabo Mbeki's money (R1,3
billion) in Alex?
Answer: The ARP as a project does not have cash on hand, it depends
on various government departments for funding. The budget is allocated
to the project on a yearly basis based on the business plans
submitted. ARP financial statements are audited and checked by
independent people to verify if the money was used for what it was
intended for. So the money allocated to the ARP is being used to
develop Alex.
Question: Question of 1996 waiting list
was top of agenda on all four meetings, what are we doing about 1996
people waiting list?
Answer: The bock by block approach will help solve the problem of
the 1996 housing waiting list.
Question: Why are
sub-contractors and labourers not being paid well or on time by the
main contractors?
Answer: The ARP does not support the exploitation of any person
employed as a sub-contractor or labourer. It is the responsibility of
the contractors to pay those they employ as per their contract
agreements, in accordance with the labour laws of this country.
Question:
Which criteria the ARP used to allocate sites to some churches?
Answer: The ARP does not own land - as a result it is not in
position to allocate sites to churches or anyone. Those who wants
sites for whatever purposes must apply to the City of Joburg.
Question:
Are there going to be shops at Extension 7?
Answer: No. Because of land shortages there are no plans to build
shops at this stage.
Question: What is happening with
Marlboro development?
Answer: The Marlboro Social Housing Project will start within the
next two months. This project is being implemented in conjunction with
the private sector.
Question: What is happening with
the completion of the Mandela Yard Precinct?
There are discussions currently taking place on how best to
complete the project as planned between the ARP and various government
departments of arts, heritage and culture.
Question:
Alex stadium what’s happening?
The upgrading of the stadium is on track. The next phase of its
development involves the upgrading of the playing field to meet
national standards. |
