Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has recommitted R188 million to the City of Johannesburg for the development of housing in the inner city.
The amount is in addition to the R136.5 million the city has already committed to housing developments in the inner city for the 2017/2018 financial year.
City of Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba said the economic revival of the inner city is a priority, and is key to creating an inclusive and prosperous city for all residents.
Mashaba said the City of Johannesburg faces a serious housing challenge with a 300 000 unit backlog, and he had repeatedly stressed the need for provincial and national government’s support to ensure that this problem is addressed.
“It is important to understand that housing remains a national and provincial competency in terms of the Constitution, and the City of Johannesburg is reliant on grants from national and provincial government to build houses for our people,” Mashaba said.
He also thanked Minister Sisulu for her commitment to working together in finding solutions to the city’s housing challenges, especially in the inner city.
“I am happy that the interests of our residents are being prioritised, even at provincial and national level. We will now focus on the revision of our housing plan to make the necessary provision for this additional funding,” he said.
