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The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes with dismay the provincial governments silence on the DA’s calls to release a vacant portion of land in the Mangaung Metro for private sector housing development.

The DA wrote to the provincial government, as well as to the Executive Mayor of the Mangaung Metro, Mxolisi Siyonzana, to release a vacant portion of land under Erf - 15735, Diagram Deed - T6896/1972, which is currently in the custody of the provincial government, for purposes of commercial housing development by the private sector.

The provincial government’s silence on this matter is proof that whilst the ANC-led provincial government and municipalities in the Free State continue to make promises around housing in every election, that they actually do not really care about affordable housing for residents. Their aim is to use promises of housing as an electioneering gimmick in a last stitch attempt to woo lost voters.

The recent distribution of sites by Premier Sisi Ntombela and her MEC for Public Works and Human Settlements Motshidisi Koloi to various beneficiaries who are still without basic services and infrastructure is purely ANC electioneering promises abusing state resources to do so.

Managung currently has a shortage of affordable housing in the city centre, which means that many residents are forced to live in the outskirts of the city centre, further away from jobs and opportunities. If the ANC-led provincial government and Mangaung Metro really cared, they would release this vacant portion of land, for private sector housing development through a fair bidding process, which could bring residents closer to these jobs and opportunities offered by the inner city.

The DA want to make sure that suitable government-owned land that isn’t used will be released for housing needs. This forms part of the DA’s commitment to expand access to housing to create a home for all South Africans. Not only will this initiative create jobs, but it could bring in much needed additional rates and taxes to the metro.

Whilst the ANC talks – The DA does. Residents must close the doors on the ANC to rid Mangaung of an uncaring government, and open the doors to the DA difference of clean and accountable governance in Mangaung and other municipalities across the Free State.

Issued by DA Free State Provincial Leader, Dr Roy Jankielsohn MPL