Poor people all over the world are used to waiting in lines. For food, clothing, “disaster relief” - and in Masi, especially, for housing and - most frustrating - for a plan for their long-term future, the so-called “Masiphumelele Spatial Development Framework” (SDF) and the implementation of an upgrade agreement signed with former mayor Patricia de Lille in the presence of the Public Protector at the end of 2017.
This Masi development plan was announced about five years ago. Since then it has been kept locked away, but promised again and again - the latest in early October 2018.
But again, nothing. Then, as always before, something happens to cause a further delay - this time, the responsible Mayco member resigned. In the years and months before it was because the “process of compiling the plan was too complex”, “more consultation with experts was needed”, “not yet ready for the public”, etc.
The latest draft of this modest plan in March 2018, had more guidelines than details, and was still not shared with those most affected: the Masi community and neighbouring villages.
Meanwhile, public participation is legally required if ever anything substantial should be put in place.
People from other communities in our valley must wonder when they only read the regular announcements by “officials” in our local papers: “New houses for Masi!”, “Phase 4 housing projects on track”, or “More housing for Masi gets thumbs up!” These are just some of the repeated PR headlines over years.
In fact, not one house has been built by the government for thousands of Masi “backyarders” or those in informal settlements who do not own land. Only some modest landowners could receive subsidies years ago to build on their properties in phases 1 + 2. But all those who have nothing in informal settlements and backyards were just put on waiting lists. It seems, for ever.
When I began to work in Masi more than 16 years ago, a phase 4 housing plan was spoken about. After a horrible fire in October 2006 at the informal settlement “School Site”, 400 shacks burnt to the ground in one night.
Local leaders, private NGOs and Masi’s neighbours created the “Amakhaya Ngoku Housing Project”, which replaced about two-thirds of the former informal settlement with flat buildings for the fire victims. So since 2009 there have been no more fires or flooding.
And what happened since then about the government phase 4 housing project to build at least more than 300 homes? After all these years, finally two sites were secured and fenced more than a year ago. Since then - no progress again.
Why? Many reasons are given, but not one convincing. How encouraging it would be to see that once in almost two decades government housing options materialise for at least some of the poorest of the poor.
Please, Mayor Mr Plato and new Mayco member for Urban Development and local Ward Councillor, Ms Purchase:
– Allow public participation in discussing, understanding and maybe even improving together the “Masiphumelele Spatial Development Framework” (SDF) and implement the 2017 signed upgrade agreement between Masi leaders and former mayor De Lille.
– Focus on the completion of phase 4 housing project instead of scoring cheap election points by announcing twice a year: “Now Masi gets houses!”. We appreciate the construction of a fire station next to Masi and a new taxi rank, but not as an excuse to further delay housing.
After years of working in the Masi community I had to leave for overseas a half year ago for urgent family matters. I am only visiting now for a while, but was approached not only by some Masi leaders, but also Masi’s neighbours (in Lochiel and Guinea Fowl Road) who had been informed by city officials of a Masi “expansion” and they better sell now rather than later.
Instead of being frightened, the neighbours formed a Lochiel Small Holding (LSH) of 30 small businesses - an excellent example of an integrated neighbourhood as they also create many jobs for Masi residents.
Whatever you will hear from officials: There is enough City-owned land in our area to allow more such integrated communities.
Please come to the table, Mr Mayor and Ms Mayco Member - do not wait until desperate people take to the streets again.