National News
Ann Buckley meets Helen Zille, Premier of the Southern Cape
Friday 23 October 2009
County Councillor Ann Buckley who is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing attended an international housing conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
Ann said "We visited townships where over 440,000 households live in the most basic homes made from wood, plastic and tin without facilities and often situated on old landfill sites. We also saw the small basic concrete block homes with a toilet and bath and cold water supply and sometimes electricity that are being built to rehouse families. People were being encouraged to grow vegetables.
Ann met the Premier, Helen Zille. Ann said "She is an inspirational politician. It was a fascinating trip, particularly going inside peoples homes - everyone made us very welcome. All countries have good practise in housing that can be shared. The Danish Government have made solar water heaters available in some areas to provide hot water."
People going to see the World Cup matches next year will see these townships by the side of the motorway particularly near the airport. In the evening there are hundreds of children out playing football on the rough green areas between the townships and the motorways.
The World Cup has brought huge investment to Cape Town including a rapid transport system and new jobs are being created.
Ann funded the trip herself.