The Gauteng Government has committed to provide basic infrastructure for Zandspruit, North West of Johannesburg following violent protests by the community in the recent months.

The community expressed dissatisfaction after Eskom allegedly cut off power supply due to illegal connections.

Addressing the community of Zandspruit, over the weekend, MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Paul Mashatile told the residents that a committee that includes the residents of Zandspruit to address issues of development in the area will be set up. The first issue that the committee will tackle is connecting electricity legally in the area.

MEC Mashatile said that the committee will consist of the Department of Human Settlements, City of Johannesburg and its entities such as Pikitup, City Power, Eskom and the Department of Labour.

Housing and waste management

“Working together with the City of Johannesburg, We have also identified land for building houses for the community,” said MEC Mashatile.

He said that after installing basic infrastructure in the land, community members will be allocated stands.

“After we have given a person a stand and title deed, those who can afford can start building for themselves. Government will also act quickly to assist those who cannot afford and build them houses,” said Mashatile.

The MEC said that there should also be waste management in the area so that the place is clean even if there are no houses.

MEC Mashatile also thanked the leadership of the Zandspruit Community Movement for not being influenced by politics when leading the community.

MEC Mashatile said that the committee that will start operating on Tuesday (03 May 2016) will also address other issues raised by the community.

MEC Mashatile will visit the community next week during the provincial government’s Ntirhisano Community Outreach Programme aimed at accelerating service delivery in Gauteng.​

–Gautengonline.gov.za