Due to rapid urbanisation and migration from rural areas, housing poses a great challenge, and while the ACDP recognises the significant number of subsidised houses that have been provided, government's initial drive to build a million houses in five years has tragically resulted in substandard workmanship and poor planning.
Waiting lists for people still to be housed are also a major concern and the ACDP is concerned that this budget does not appear to make provision for reviewing and establishing a comprehensive and transparent database, without which those who have waited many years are at risk of being overlooked.
The ACDP has championed rural development to redress the problems of migration to the cities, so we are interested in the recapitalisation of the rural housing loan fund. Communication with prospective residents will be vital for settlement success. From the Joe Slovo challenges of the Western Cape to agrivillages for farm workers, only through interaction can planners hope to accommodate the actual needs and concerns of people affected.
We applaud work taking place to improve living standards and conditions for impoverished suburban and rural communities. Hon Minister, has an allocation been made for the upgrading and restoration also of the inner city buildings? I'm thinking of examples such as the old warehouse that was turned into makeshift housing on Saratoga Avenue in a key 2010 focus area. Many buildings like this one are homes to hundreds of families. Like their suburban counterparts, they are also faced with erratic services that can lead to health and safety hazards.
The ACDP hopes that the new focus on human settlements will facilitate better responses to the many challenges. We will support this Budget Vote. Thank you.