MEC for Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development in Gauteng Lebogang Maile has launched the Kasi4Real project aimed at formalising backroom rentals and dwellers. Residents from Soweto were urged to participate to make a difference in their lives at an event held at Grace Bible Church in Pimville yesterday.
MEC Maile said the project was formed to address the social housing backlog and aimed at growing the township economy by creating rental businesses in people's backyards. According to Maile, the partnership between his department and the Gauteng Partnership Fund's (GPF) is a funding solution that aims to enhance the township economy by providing funding for the development of township real estate for the residents.
"The funding comes in a form of a loan, where homeowners with title deeds are assisted to build decent and affordable rental units on their properties and formalise backyard developments," said Maile. He added that this initiative is also an attempt to get rid of shacks and promote decent living for residents. "We have a serious problem that we all have to be realistic about. We don't have enough land to build everyone an RDP house, but we have houses that have enough backyard space to build suitable rental units. From 1994 to this day the government built 1million three hundred thousand houses, but you won't believe me when I tell you that the housing backlog is almost the same amount. It's as if nothing has been done. Another thing is that someone will be given an RDP and instead of selling or demolishing their shack they will someone from the rurals to come and stay there. We are really trying to do away with shacks but it's so hard," he said.
Maile said in order to qualify for funding, one needs to be a township resident in Gauteng and be in possession of a title deed. "You must also have adequate building space which can accommodate a minimum of four units that are not smaller than 15m2. These new age backrooms must have a bathroom with a shower, and a small kitchen. Lease agreements will also be provided to protect both tenant and landlords," he said.
Speaking to ZiMoja, gogo Nomsa Mazibuko (72) from Pimville zone 2 believes she has enough building space in her backyard. "I stay with my two grandchildren who lost their mother when they were still little, I pray that I qualify to get this funding so that I can build these rooms and leave behind a lifetime of income for my grandchildren. If the government says they don't have enough land to build everyone a house, what can we say, at least they are coming with solutions that will put bread on our tables she said." she said. Maile said they will go to twenty townships identified by government and have imbizo to further explain this initiative and its benefits including job creation. He said no money will be paid into house owner's accounts but that it will be paid to the relevant stakeholders who will be involved in the building process and this is to avoid misuse of funds.
