Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs (Cogta) and Human Settlements Saki Mokoena says there is a clear need to build smart cities in the Free State.
Mr Mokoena said the challenges of human settlements in the country, particularly in the Free State over the past three decades, have proven to require the joint efforts of all stakeholders: government, the private sector, civil society and the general public.
Over the years, RDP homes have been built, but it has become clear that we need to build a community.
“We need to not only build communities, but also integrated smart cities to improve people’s positive lives and ensure productivity. Human settlements are better suited to communities where amenities such as schools, police stations, hospitals and workplaces are integrated. Government alone cannot achieve it. We need a combination of all sectors to take the country to another level,” Mokoena said.
He said it offers serviced sites that people can build themselves, as well as RDP houses with serviced stands for eligible beneficiaries.
“For those who can raise the funds to build the type of housing they want, there are projects already underway. There are thousands of places in the Free State where people can already build communities with the elements of a smart city. Some are even putting in place the infrastructure to provide people with affordable internet,” he added.
Mr Mokoena admitted that the Free State had not built any housing in recent years due to various challenges.
“We are currently fixing the problems that occurred in 2014. Remember G-Hostel in Machaben? We are fighting to fix it. We hope it will be completed next year. There is something called Dark/Silver City in Bloemfontein. It is also coming back. It was unfinished, but we hope it will be completed and we will start allocating housing to people.”
“We are currently completing approximately 1,900 serviced stands spread across the state to address our growing backlog. This is a moving destination challenge as we enter an era where more people need a home of their own,” he said.
Mr Mokoena said 2,000 homes were currently being built and 1,900 sites would be ready for distribution soon.
Asked how he would ensure corrupt officials are held accountable, he admitted it was an uphill battle.
“Resistance from those who have benefited from unfair practices in the past, resistance to change, both in terms of policy approaches and human resources, is a factor. They will want the project to continue if it is unfinished and high amounts are being paid for a single unit of housing or site.”
Earlier this month, I attended the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt. Established by the United Nations in 2001, the forum was established to address the challenges of rapid urbanization.
A diverse range of stakeholders will come together to explore the impact of urban growth on communities, cities, economic systems, climate change, and the policies that guide urban development.
Mokoena pointed out that Africa’s largest construction site is in Egypt, which plans to build about 50 cities over the next 10 years.
“If anyone wants to learn about building better communities and modern settlements, I encourage them to look to Egypt. We have learned a lot from the Egyptians, their technology, and their policy stances on how to approach building major infrastructure.”
He expressed that these lessons had been noted and that there were plans to apply them to the Free State.
Mr Mokoena highlighted that approximately 3 billion people, including South Africans, live in informal settlements and approximately 300 million people are homeless.
“We face disasters every two weeks in the Free State, so we do the environmentally friendly thing and don’t make the problem worse.
“Since returning from Egypt, we have had heavy rains that have damaged several homes in Tabanuthu and other areas. For me, as the MEC of the Free State, environmental sustainability is no longer a talk show, but a reality that has to pivot. I am glad to have been part of the forum. It worked wonders for us,” concluded Mr Mokoena.
The Star
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