Housing priority for special sectors
Housing, safety, municipal infrastructure and jobs were high on the wish list for residents from special sectors on Tuesday.
They were speaking at the public participation meeting around the metro’s integrated development plan (IDP).
The meeting, held at the City Hall, was with residents from special sectors including disabled people, the elderly, women and the youth.
High on the list of needs from residents was that the elderly and disabled be prioritised when it comes to the allocation of houses in new housing projects across the metro.
Resident Thenjiwe Nonimba, who is blind, said people with disabilities needed to be a priority in housing. She also called for disabled people to be employed by the metro, to represent the group’s interests.
“We want a focal person in the office of the mayor to make sure any issues regarding people with disabilities [are addressed],” Nonimba said.
Willem van der Walt said the safety of blind residents, and infrastructure that caters to their needs, should be among the metro’s considerations. “We also need job creation.” DA councillor Duncan Monks assured the residents that the elderly and disabled in particular would benefit from a new housing list that is to be brought before council soon.
“No longer will an 18-year-old take priority over an 85year-old,” Monks said. “[With the new list], over 20% of the houses will go to the elderly.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
FREE TO READ | Just register if you’re new, or sign in.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@heraldlive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.