The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on the Free State to release vacant land in Mangaung for commercial development by the private sector, SurgeZirc SA reports.
This was made known in a statement issued on Tuesday by Dr. Roy Jankielsohn Leader of the Opposition in the Free State.
According to the statement, Mangaung currently has a shortage of affordable housing in the city centre, which means that many residents are forced to live on the outskirts of the city centre, further away from jobs and opportunities.
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The DA said this land if released for affordable housing, could provide new homes for the residents of Mangaung and bring them closer to opportunities and jobs in the inner city.
The DA revealed that it has identified a vacant piece of land under Erf – 15735, Diagram Deed – T6896/1972, and is situated between Charles Street and Merriam Makeba Street.
“The DA wants to make sure that suitable government-owned land that isn’t used will be released for housing needs. This forms part of the DA’s commitment to expanding access to housing to create a home for all South Africans.
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“Talk is cheap, but money buys the whiskey. If the ANC-led Mangaung is serious about bringing residents closer to jobs and opportunities, then they should come to the table and request that the provincial government releases this vacant piece of land currently in state custody for purposes of development by the private sector within the municipality through a fair bidding process.
“Not only will this initiative create jobs, but it could bring in much-needed additional rates and taxes to the metro,” the statement reads.
