ANC REJECTS EMERGENCY HOUSING KITS FOR SHACK FIRE VICTIMS

The ANC yesterday (Tuesday 20 November) rejected a DA motion in the Gauteng Legislature to provide emergency housing kits for victims of shack fires (see motion below).

This rejection is shameful and is a great tragedy for people who lose everything in the many shack fires that occur in Gauteng.

According to press reports, 88 fires have destroyed or damaged 3225 shacks in informal settlements in Gauteng from 2006 to 2011, but the real figure is likely to be about a thousand shacks burning down each year

The DA proposes that Gauteng provide an emergency housing kit like that provided by Cape Town to people who lose their shacks because of fires or floods. This kit includes ten wooden poles, five galvanised zinc sheets, door and door frame, nails and plastic sheets. Each kit costs about R1400.

ANC MPL Mike Madlala attacked the DA's motion in vitriolic terms. He said it was "frivolous, vexatious and obscene" and it was also "counter-revolutionary".

It's a very sad day when the ANC rejects a humanitarian proposal for ridiculous reasons. Do they not care for people in informal settlements who are the poorest of the poor?

The DA will not give up on this matter. We will launch a petition amongst residents of informal settlements throughout Gauteng so that victims of shack fires can receive materials to speedily rebuild their shacks.

The petition reads as follows: We the undersigned petition the Gauteng Provincial Government to provide building materials for people who lose their shacks through fires or floods, as is done in the Western Cape..

MOTION WITH REGARD TO EMERGENCY HOUSING KITS

Noting:

1. That according to Sections 24 (a) and 26 (1) of the Constitution: "Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing" and "Everyone has the right to have access to adequate housing".

2. That the Disaster Management Act number 57 of 2002 provides the framework for action in disaster situations.

3. That according to press reports 88 fires have destroyed or damaged 3225 shacks in informal settlements in Gauteng from 2006 to 2011, but the real figure is likely to be about a thousand shacks burning down each year.

4. That people made homeless due to fires and floods need assistance to get shelter as soon as possible.

5. That the Western Cape Provincial Government funds local authorities to provide Emergency Housing Kits to help people rebuild their shacks with basic materials at a cost per kit of about R1400.

Therefore resolves to recommend:

1. That the Local Government and Housing Department conduct research into any deficiencies in provision for housing assistance after floods and shack fires that would justify budgetary provision for Emergency Housing Kits for the 2013/14 financial year, and reports back to the House in this matter within 60 days of the adoption of this motion.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Caucus Leader, November 21 2012

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