Alpoa laments delay in title deeds
ALEXANDRA - The Alexandra Land and Property Owners Association [ALPOA] is concerned of government's postponement in handing over title deeds for approved claims.
The Alexandra Land and Property Owners Association (Alpoa) is concerned about government’s continual postponement of the handing over of title deeds for approved land claims.
Of the total 2 553 claims lodged almost 20 years ago with the Land Claims Commission, Alpoa said claims that had been approved should have been handed over by now. Alpoa general secretary Jacky Segopa said last year a minister suggested that this was to be done by President Jacob Zuma. Later, plans were made to hand them over in November last year, but this was postponed to mid January, and until now nothing had been done.
“Reasons given for the postponement was to avoid the festive season overshadowing the handover event, ” he said. “This only creates doubt and stresses claimants who have been waiting for their rights for a long time. Government should be forthright with us.” The delay, he added also resulted in invasions of claimed land to the detriment of the claimants.
Segopa added that claimants were willing to explore government’s proposal of re-allocation of land. “But this will happen if they first received title deeds to secure their rights, and would require a firm commitment from government to avoid [claimants] being victims of delays in receiving promised housing.” This he said in reference to land donated to the government in 2006.
He further said the claimants would also have to be consulted on housing plans, and be assured on timelines for construction, completion and occupancy of the houses. This he said was to safeguard claimants from homelessness, invasions and evictions as happened in Bohlabela Extension Flats, Eastbank. “Government should tighten its operations and move speedily on housing in Alex to affirm its commitment and regain residents’ trust.”
He said Alpoa would work with other organisations through legal channels to give legitimacy to the association’s cause for land rights restoration, and urged government to expedite the negotiation process with them.
Details: Alpoa; 011 882 9980
