Chair, increasing access to secure and decent housing for all through government's newly adopted housing programme, including the conversion of hostels into family housing units, is one of the cornerstones of the ANC's housing policy. The North West ANC government is preparing to demolish the mining hostel of Khuma township to make way for decent family units for hostel dwellers.
More than 250 people are currently occupying the hostels and stand to benefit from the subsidised family units with proper sanitation and infrastructure. The hostels were originally built for migrant workers and are now no longer conducive to human habitation as there are no proper services and some unoccupied hostels have become a nest for criminals.
This project will fulfil a call made by the Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, for residents to be provided with proper shelter. During his visit to Khuma in March 2014, Deputy President Ramaphosa made a commitment that he will personally monitor progress on the demolition of the hostels and the building of new houses for their dwellers. The ANC applauds its government in Bokone Bophirima for acceding to the call made by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as ensuring that all South Africans have an opportunity to live in decent conditions within suitable human settlements. I thank you. [Applause.]
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