-Rural Areas to benefit from the Provincial budget-
The Mpumalanga Department of Housing, Local Government and Land Administration has released a Priority List for initial Housing Project for 1999 to 2001.
The Priority List highlights focused plans to build over 20 000 houses within the same period in all so called rural areas at a cost of over R300m. Also included in the list is Amsterdam, Badplaas, Bethal, Ekangala, Elandsdoorn (Moutse III), Ermelo, Hazyview, KwaMhlanga, Mbibane, Mkobola, Silindile (Lothair), Embalenhle (Secunda), Siyabuswa, Sinqobile (Daggakraal), Standerton, Tjakastad, Georgia Gardens,(Volkrust) Nkomazi (Tonga East and West), Zamekomst (Moutse I), Witbank, Mathanjana, Empuluzi.
Developers are directed to work closely with the identified Local Authorities so as to submit to the Mpumalanga Housing Board all the necessary documentation for project approvals. It is envisaged that these projects should start as soon as possible so that by March 1999 cash flows related to these projects can kick off well.
Addressing the two developers who came to meet the MEC about some of the projects, the MEC for Local Government, Housing and Land Administration, Mr Craig Padayachee said : " In as much as we appreciate all the work that has been done in all urban areas, we are not satisfied with delivery of houses if the rural projects are not outshining the urban settlements. This Government's purpose is to upgrade the lives of rural people and this objective can only be met if you developers can go out to the rural areas and start identifying viable projects", he said. Mr Padayachee appealed to developers not to focus their attention in urban development only. He pledged his support to any developer who wants to build houses in rural areas and said " From now onwards, 85% of our Provincial Housing Budget shall be earmarked to rural areas."
The Mpumalanga Housing Board is expected to start processing and evaluating some of the projects on the 25th August 1998.
Issued by Communication Services Media Enquiries: Leon A. Mbangwa Spokesperson for the Dept of Local Govt, Housing and Land Admin. Tel : (013) 7554810/7554027, Fax:(013) 7527715, Cell : 0825694021