... kufanele sikwazi ukusebenzisana nabantu bakithi. [We need to be able to work with our people.]
The highest possible integration of all institutions involved in housing delivery, in all spheres of government, should be encouraged. These are institutions which can and must be completely at the service of our communities.
The process of urbanisation is one of the most challenging social developments globally. The creation of sustainable communities should therefore take into consideration the following elements: energy, water, urban design, waste, access to transport and storm water.
The hike in housing delivery that needs to be achieved to increase stability is more than double that of the current scale. The eradication of all informal settlements by 2014 will only be possible if the department redoubles its efforts in providing affordable houses to all. Thus, in accordance with our Constitution, policy and electoral mandate, delivery has to be faster and more responsive to create a long-lasting impact.
Accelerated delivery can only occur when all the stakeholders that matter in the delivery chain are mobilised effectively and purposefully. There is thus a need to mobilise collectively for our community and build capacity to deliver more houses to our people. We are quite aware that housing delivery is a moving target. Today, social housing waiting lists continue to grow. According to a survey done by Anna Turley of New Local Government Network, "the housing list has grown by 57% over the past five years, to 4,5 million people, or 1,8 million households".
Recent reports have predicted that the recession will send waiting lists rocketing further as a growing number of homes are repossessed ...