Shackdweller suppression bill pushed ahead by provincial MEC

http://www.themercury.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3569251

New Bill to block slum growth

November 30, 2006 Edition 1

A GROUND-BREAKING Bill seeking to stop the re-emergence of slums in urban areas where slums have been eradicated was tabled in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature, sitting in Dududu, uMzinto, yesterday.

Sponsored by the Local Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs Department, once passed into law the Bill would go a long way towards the eradication of slums in the province, said the department’s MEC, Mike Mabuyakhulu.

It would prevent those people who have been provided with government houses from establishing new slums in other areas.

Tabling the Bill, Mabuyakhulu said it also sought to prohibit unlawful occupation of vacant land and the erection of substandard accommodation.

“It will also determine the functions of the owners of land, the municipalities and the provincial department as well as the manner in which the landowners can enforce their rights,” he said.

He added: “We in KwaZulu-Natal hope to make a serious dent on slums by 2010.” – Political Staff