Cape Town - The DA in the Western Cape has called for the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to be transparent regarding its plans for the fourth phase of the District Six redevelopment project.
The party said its call comes after it became aware that the Human Settlements Department had filed reports to the Land Claims Court, reportedly confirming that plans were in place to move forward with the fourth phase of the department’s District Six redevelopment project, set to house 177 units.
DA Western Cape Human Settlements spokesperson Matlhodi Maseko said while the planning of the fourth phase in Hanover Street was a welcomed development, the reality was that the roll-out of the third phase had been nothing short of haphazard.
Maseko said: “The third phase of the District Six redevelopment has been marred by delays and poor workmanship, preventing several beneficiaries from moving into their units. Due to the numerous delays, land invasions also gained popularity in District Six.
“Transparency is needed concerning the timelines of the fourth phase and the project as a whole.”
Maseko said the DA was calling on the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to provide clarity on the status of current developments in the District Six redevelopment project.
The party sought clarity on the measurable targets and time lines set for the completion of different phases and he estimated date of the handover.
This information would not be difficult to extract from a functioning and efficient government, but it seemed nearly impossible when engaging with the national government, according to Maseko.
“The details of the project are not only important for the sake of oversight but also for the sake of the claimants and beneficiaries who have been hoping to return to their treasured community for decades,” he said.
“I recently wrote to Deputy President David Mabuza, requesting an update on the District Six redevelopment project. The ANC national government took on the duty of providing justice and dignity to the dispossessed community of District Six. Sadly justice continues to be denied to this community.
He said he would also liaise with his DA counterparts in the National Assembly to address parliamentary questions to the Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza regarding the project.
“I urge Deputy President Mabuza and Minister Didiza to play open cards with the people of District Six and to provide proper time lines on the fourth phase and other upcoming phases of redevelopment,” Maseko said.
“The DA in the Western Cape will continue to stand with the community of District Six until each claimant return to their rightful home,” he said.