MEC Jacobs addresses Ramaphosa residents

13 November 2008

The MEC for Gauteng Public Transport, Roads and Works, Mr. Ignatius Jacobs, MEC for Housing, Ms. Nomvula Mokonyane and the Mayor for Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality , Ms. Ntombi Mekgwe held an Imbizo at the Ramaphosa Informal Settlement, Germiston on the 12 th November 2008. The Imbizo was held to give the community members a chance to voice their concerns as well as highlight the progress made in rehabilitating 20 prioritized townships.

So far R38 billion has been allocated for development in the area. Ramaphosa is among the 142 informal settlements identified for upgrading roads, schools, clinics, water and sanitation facilities and backyard dwellings. Both MECs and councilors went on tour around the community and deduced that there was a shortage of toilets, the need for mobile clinic and upgrading of roads.

MEC Jacobs acknowledged the concerns of the community as well as the challenges regarding waste drainage, poor roads and lack of public facilities. He promised to discuss the matter with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). MEC Ignatius Jacobs also encouraged the community to work together with government to exercise its democratic right and enhance their quality of life.

Ramaphosa Informal Settlement is one of the areas where xenophobic attacks against African immigrants broke out in May 2008. During the attacks, foreigners were forced out of their shacks and hundreds of them were left displaced.