Ald Aaron Maluleka MMC for Human Settlements at the illegal land invasions
By Ald Aaron Maluleka
MMC for Human Settlements
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Alderman Aaron Maluleka, has warned that the continued erection of illegal structures and
unlawful occupation of land is contributing to the rapid growth of informal settlements
across the City of Tshwane.
He made these remarks during an oversight visit to the Koekemoer Informal Settlement in Centurion, where he engaged residents on housing and service delivery challenges in the area.
The Koekemoer Informal Settlement originated from a farm occupied by farm
workers and has since expanded over time.
During the engagement, residents raised concerns regarding the lack of permanent services and appealed to the City to provide infrastructure such as sewer connections, piped water, and government-
subsidised housing opportunities.
In response, MMC Maluleka explained that the settlement is situated on privately
owned land, which presents significant legal and developmental limitations for the
City.
“The City cannot undertake permanent development projects on privately owned
land.
While we understand the challenges faced by residents, municipal investment in permanent infrastructure and housing developments can only take place on land
that is legally available for such purposes,” said Maluleka.
He further emphasised that the City continues to provide rudimentary services to support residents living in informal settlements while broader human settlements
solutions are being explored within the confines of the law and available resources.
The MMC also warned against the continued establishment of new informal settlements and the construction of illegal structures, noting that these activities place additional pressure on already constrained municipal resources and complicate efforts to provide sustainable human settlements.
“Residents are urged not to occupy land unlawfully or erect new structures without
authorisation.
The uncontrolled growth of informal settlements makes it increasingly
difficult for the City to plan effectively and sustainably deliver services,” he added.
The City of Tshwane currently has 502 informal settlements that receive rudimentary municipal services.
The City remains committed to improving living conditions for residents through lawful, planned, and sustainable human settlements programmes while working with all relevant stakeholders to address housing challenges across Tshwane.
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