More than R16 billion needed to fix problems in Alexandra, inquiry hears

Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance Obed Bapela has told the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) inquiry into the issues faced by the Alexandra that more than R16 billion is needed to find a solution.

The inquiry began following the demolition of around 80 illegally-built homes in the Alexandra township by the Red Ants, causing widespread protests in the area.

Political posturing

Matters were not helped by political indecision as Mayor Herman Mashaba claimed his office knew nothing of the demolition order and promised to rebuild the destroyed structures at the expense of the City of Johannesburg.

This move was widely criticised as nothing more than political posturing and it seems more and more likely the structures will never be rebuilt, illegally or by the city.

In his presentation to the inquiry, Bapela began with a stern warning for residents, telling them government would be providing no compensation for illegally built structures.

It is important to note that the problems in Alex are nothing new. Way back in 2001 then-President Thabo Mbeki launched the Alexandra Renewal Project to address service delivery concerns that have become nothing more than yet another black hole for public funds.

The fund was launched with an initial R1.3 billion budget, which Bapela claims was not enough at the time and should have been at least double the amount.

R16 billion needed to fix Alexandra

Following research in 2013/14, a report suggested it would take R16 billion to turn Alexandra into a modern habitable settlement.

This figure has only grown according to Bapela and an immediate cash injection is required just to address the current issues, let alone converting it into a modern town.

Bapela tells the #AlexInquiry that to turn Alex into a modern habitable settlement, a 2013/14 estimation showed that R16bn was required, and now more cash injection will be required to resolve the current service delivery issues. #AlexInquiry #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/x5lS8wH49I

— Maageketla Mohlabe (@MaageMohlabe) July 24, 2019