7 April 2004

The government has unveiled a R94-million plan to rebuild the poverty-stricken Evaton, in the Vaal area of Gauteng, with multifaceted projects to provide housing, water and sanitation in the area over a five-year period.

The financial injection puts flesh to a commitment made by President Thabo Mbeki two years ago to rejuvenate the area after residents complained to him during an Imbizo about the lack of basic services, infrastructure and housing.

Residents also complained about the general underdevelopment of their shanty township, lack of jobs, and escalating violence against women, children and the elderly.

They also noted the shameful state of the local cemetery, the inaccessibility of social grants, poverty relief projects and key government centres, and bad roads.

At the time, Mbeki vowed that authorities would return with plans to revitalise the country's oldest township, which he said had contributed immensely to the liberation struggle that culminated in the attainment of democracy.

Addressing Evaton residents at a packed local stadium, Gauteng Local Government MEC Trevor Fowler said work would start as soon as possible after the initial groundwork had been done.

Fowler said the first tender would be issued in June to pave the way for the implementation of the renewal plan, that would be modelled along that of Alexandra Township in Johannesburg.

The project, to be overseen by the Gauteng provincial government and the national Department of Provincial and Local Government, will also provide employment, sport and entertainment facilities.

R1.2bn for Bekkersdal
The government has also announced plans to pump about R1.2-billion into building houses and providing water and sanitation to the shanty township of Bekkersdal in Westonaria.

The projects will see the local community receiving government-subsidised houses, a modernised taxi rank, a shelter for street hawkers, water, sanitation - all involving the creation of temporary jobs and opportunities to acquire new skills for locals.

Source: BuaNews