Alex renewal project disappointing: survey

File picture - Thousands of people began gathering at the Alexandra stadium on Saturday where the township would be celebrating a century since its establishment. Photo: Moeletsi Mabe

File picture - Thousands of people began gathering at the Alexandra stadium on Saturday where the township would be celebrating a century since its establishment. Photo: Moeletsi Mabe

Published Jun 20, 2012

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The majority of residents in Alexandra, Joburg, are disappointed by a project to renew the township, the DA claimed on Wednesday.

DA Gauteng MPL Mike Moriarty said a “door-to-door survey” conducted by the party “activists” found that 91 percent of residents believed the Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP) did not help them in any way.

“The ARP is clearly not meeting the needs of Alexandra residents, partly because of corruption and mismanagement. It needs to be reassessed concerning what can best be done to uplift the lives of people in Alexandra, who see themselves as a forgotten community,” he said in a statement.

“The DA will push for day-to-day services to improve radically, and for job creation that will allow people to uplift themselves, rather than be dependent forever.”

More than 350 residents were interviewed for the survey.

It concluded that 22 percent felt that Alexandra specifically needed service delivery, while 21 percent wanted houses, and 19 percent improved education.

In terms of personal needs, 84 percent said housing, followed by an eight percent call for jobs.

Only seven percent said the ARP had helped them.

City of Johannesburg spokesman Gabu Tugwana said he could not comment on the survey because the city was not lobbying for the project.

“This is outside the scope of the city's administration. If the DA has something to say about Alexandra, they will probably say it in (an) open council (meeting),” he said.

“The ANC would be better equipped to comment on the matter.”

Gauteng ANC spokesman Dumisa Ntuli said the party could not comment on the project, as it was a municipal issue.

“This is for the City of Joburg to comment on.”

The ARP was launched in 2001 with the intention of making significant improvements to the living conditions of Alexandra.

Government initially allocated R1.3 billion towards the project. – Sapa

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