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Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale today launched the first phase of the 9600 Fleurhof Integrated Human Settlement Development in Soweto. Fleurhof is one of the Gauteng’s largest integrated housing projects that will bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. "This land was used to separate our people, blacks on the other side and whites on the other", said Sexwale

"The creation of sustainable human settlements and the de-racialisation of this country has always been the priority of the democratic government, even the first Minister of Housing Joe Slovo spoke of integrated human settlements".

Minister Sexwale said this will restore the dignity of those who lived under inhuman conditions in the nearby hostel and informal settlement. "Tonight there's a child who's going to sleep in a proper house as a result of this development".

The Fleurhof Integrated development, situated less than 12 km from the Johannesburg city centre, will serve as a link to the formerly segregated areas of Soweto and Florida/Rooderpoort thus unlocking economic opportunities and creating direct access for both areas.

The project consists of various types of housing opportunities and forms of tenure. These include fully subsidised housing, Social housing for the rental, Finance linked for the gap housing market and affordable bonded housing.

The project is a partnership between the National Department of Human Settlements, Gauteng Local Government and Housing Department and the City of Johannesburg.

MEC for Local Government and Housing in Gauteng, Ms Ntombi Mekgwe said she was happy that the development has also taken environmental issues into consideration. "Key to the provision of sustainable human settlements is the environment. This project has taken into consideration issues of greening, energy saving and the provision of social amenities like parks".

The project will also provide amenities like business centres, seven crèches, five religious sites, one community centre, three school sites and parks.