TACKLING APARTHEID LEGACY:
Development projects she wants to see delivered for inclusive city
SPATIAL transformation was in the spotlight when Patricia de Lille addressed a Cape Times breakfast at the Cape Town Hotel School in Granger Bay yesterday.
She explained how the City under her mayorship had planned to ignite urban renewal through public and private investment, to assist in job creation, skills development and economic growth.
“For us to reverse apartheid’s spatial planning we need to acknowledge the past. Since 1992 not enough has been done to eradicate the legacy of spatial apartheid.
“I’ll be the first to say that more needs to be done to create an integrated and inclusive city, but we can’t do it alone. However, it will be possible if we all work together.”
The City adopted a Transit-Oriented Development Strategy in 2016, that – irrespective what happens politically – must be delivered, she said.
Eleven pieces of land in the metropole had been “lying sterile”, De Lille pointed out.
The strategy had flagged Salt River, Woodstock, Philippi East, Bellville and the city centre for development, she said.
“There are five pieces of land designated for affordable density housing, while three more will be used for a social housing component.
“Development should be done near to transport and economic opportunities,” De Lille added.
Philippi East was earmarked for the next phase of the city’s MyCiTi development, which would provide reliable transport for 1.2 million people in one of the city’s major hubs.
Aminah Omer, 67, a District Six resident forcibly removed at age 26, questioned De Lille on the delay in giving former residents back their properties.
De Lille committed to assist Omer if she required her help, despite the national government leading the process.
Omer said she had always been an ardent De Lille supporter and would take her up on her offer.