Sybilla Dekker, Housing Minister of the Netherlands, advised officials of the South African government that it needs to develop a workable social housing policy to ensure its massive national housing backlog is addressed and an end to informal settlements.
The comments came during discussions in Tshwane between a Netherlands delegation led by Dekker and officials of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), led by its Chair, Amos Masondo.
The Dutch government and its municipal association formed a partnership with SALGA to strengthen the capacity of South Africa's municipal structures in social housing. It is through this partnership that the Netherlands is assisting South African municipalities.
Dekker argues that the current culture of non-payment for services has a negative impact on the provision of sustainable housing infrastructure across the country. She highlighted the problem of a culture where many people are not used to paying for their housing. She also argued for a well thought out policy, which reflects the kind of houses needed in relation to demographics and housing need.
Masondo pointed to the rapid urbanisation that represents the major challenge facing big cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. But he believes that the situation will stabilise given the programmes that the government is implementing.
SABC News, 10 April 2006
Prime Minister Phan Van Khai stressed the need to ensure happier, longer, and more productive lives for the elderly, while taking part in a working session with the Vietnam Elderly Association in Ha Noi.
Khai praised the activities of elderly people associations at different levels. He went on to argue that elderly associations at all levels must continue to promote policies aimed at caring for and bringing the role of the elderly into full play, contributing to moving the Country forward.
Khai noted that in today's society, it is especially important for the elderly to actively take part in educating their offspring and the community in an attempt to build happy families with children who are dutiful to their parents, eager to learn, and who want to lead a cultured life.
Khai also agreed with proposals made by the Vietnam Elderly Association and said it was essential to consolidate the operation of elder representative committees in order to make the associations stronger.
In response to plans for a fund for the elderly, Khai said efforts should be made to provide health care services and provide housing for elderly people in need. Khai gave authority to the ministries of Finance, Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to examine projects on building centres to care for and promote the role of old people.
Khai agreed to make 6 June the official day to recognise Vietnam's elderly people.
Vietnam has about 1.5 million old people, of which nearly 100,000 live alone and have no source of income. Many receive social allowances from the community or live at social insurance centres.
About 30% of the elderly work to earn a living. The proportion is above 70% in rural areas.
A large percentage of old people are in poor health and suffer from chronic diseases such as high blood pressure.
Viet Nam News, 11 April 2006
