The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Geoffrey Makhubo, has cautioned residents against land invasions, insisting that this practice would no longer be tolerated under the Government of Local Unity.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the official handover of houses to more than 40 beneficiaries in Fleurhof, South-West of Johannesburg, the mayor made it clear that houses would be allocated only to deserving beneficiaries, particularly the elderly who have been on the housing waiting list since 1996.
Striking a stern tone, Councillor Makhubo warned that illegal land and property invasions hampered planned and proper development, adding that criminal syndicated would be faced head-on.
“We will not tolerate lawlessness and anarchy. I urge all residents to adhere to the law that governs this country. All units in Johannesburg will go to the rightful beneficiaries who are qualifying, especially the elders who have been waiting since 1996-1999.
“To those who are illegally invading housing units or land, we will not tolerate it, no spaces will be invaded in Johannesburg. We want to continue with development, not only in housing but schools, hospitals, police stations and commercial spaces. Therefore, we cannot turn a blind eye when land is invaded, we have to act against these criminal syndicates,” said the Executive Mayor.
The Fleurhof project is one of the City’s integrated residential mega projects launched in 2012, which addresses a key strategic priority of the government of Local Unity. About 112 are earmarked to be handed over to beneficiaries in phases, with the process having commenced in August in order to adhere to the national Covid-19 lockdown regulations.
The City of Joburg, working with the Gauteng provincial government, has embarked on integrated residential mega projects to provide residents with dignified units. There are four in Johannesburg, and Fleurhof is but one of them.
In total, 21 000 residents will benefit from the Fleurhof integrated unit project to be allocated by the Gauteng provincial government and City of Johannesburg. The focus will be on those who registered between 1996 and 1999.
One of the beneficiaries, Raymond Denise (57) said: “Several years ago, I applied and I am glad that I qualified and have my own house today. It feels like someone gave me a pot of gold. And for those who are still waiting for houses, I want to encourage you to go to the department of housing, apply and be patient.”
I’d like to express my gratitude to those residents who have waited patiently for houses to be allocated to them and urged them to look after the property. He also encouraged those who applied before to wait for the allocation process to unfold.
