Deputy Speaker, during an oversight visit to Gauteng the Human Settlement Portfolio Committee visited Cosmo City. This is a mixed-use, fully integrated sustainable housing development under the Breaking New Ground strategy launched in 2004. The development consists of 12 500 units comprised of RDP, financed-linked bonded units and rental apartments, and of these some 8 200 units have been completed.
Sites for schools, clinics, churches, parks and recreational facilities, commercial and retail shopping centres and industry indicate a well thought out plan. Pretty gardens were being grown and children were playing in the parks and enjoying the trampolines, amongst other things. Everything was neat and tidy and there was no litter.
Education forms part of the ongoing work. On Saturdays, people can come and learn about beautifying their homes with gardens and growing their own vegetables, and 700 000 trees are being planted. This is a partnership between the City of Johannesburg, the Gauteng provincial government and private company Codefco Business Development.
Cosmo City is a very good example of the new human settlements now being planned by the ANC-led government where their people can live, work, pray and play in a safe and pleasant environment. Thank you. [Applause.]