Hon Speaker, 173 families living in the Kliptown informal settlement have been displaced as floods laid waste to their homes during the weekend. This disheartening incident emanates from the government's bad planning and is also a betrayal of the people who are residing in Kliptown. The Gauteng government made a commitment to the people of Kliptown during the 58th anniversary celebration of the signing of the Freedom Charter in 2008, where the people were told that the city had a budget of R710 million for the development of housing in their area, but these houses have still not materialised.
The failure of the Gauteng government to deliver on their promises is a reflection of the state of national government, which has failed to deliver promised housing to those living in informal settlements across the country. Those without proper housing are exposed to hazards, such as flooding, every year. It shows that government does nothing to prepare for possible floods which usually happen annually. It would be a shameful thing to continually see people living in squalor while they wait for election promises to be fulfilled. I thank you.