Chair, hon Ministers, due to rapid urbanisation and migration from rural areas, housing poses a great challenge for any government. The ACDP recognises the 2,6 million subsidised houses that have been provided as a commendable achievement.
Waiting lists for people still to be housed, however, are a major concern. The ACDP can see no specific allocation for information technology in this budget, or provision to review and establish a comprehensive and transparent database of persons - a fundamental requirement. About 1 million families are estimated to be living in shacks in Cape Town alone, and the backlog is growing at about 200 000 households a year. Without comprehensive data, 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 of R50 million in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Communication with prospective residents will be vital for settlement success, from the Joe Slovo challenges of the Western Cape to the agri- villages for farmworkers. Farmworkers faced with the village option have at times resisted, despite the seemingly obvious benefits. Only through interaction can planners, most of whom are from urban backgrounds, hope to accommodate the actual needs and concerns of rural people.
We applaud the 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 of inner city buildings as well? I'm thinking here of examples such as the old warehouse which was turned into makeshift housing on Saratoga Avenue near the Ellis Park precinct - a key 2010 focus area. Has that been provided for? Many buildings like these are home to hundreds of families. Like their suburban counterparts, they are faced with erratic garbage collection, no electricity and no water or sewage disposal, which can lead to health and safety hazards. The ACDP hopes that the concept of human settlements will facilitate better responses to these problems.
We will support this Budget Vote. Thank you. [Applause.]