True to his commitment early in the year to take drastic action against contractors who deny communities the opportunity to own decent and quality low cost houses, the MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements in Bokone-Bophirima, Collen Maine has demolished at least 28 of the 71 houses in Huhudi Township.
This exercise follows the failure by a contractor to meet the required building standard of low cost houses especially the quality of the mortar used in all these houses. Other defects include beam filling cracks, damaged locks, cracks on door frames and loose PVC pipes.
Both the Department and National Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) had on numerous occasions attempted to bring to the attention of a contractor, the defects and instead, a contractor chose to proceed with the project. NHBRC subsequently issued a certificate of non-compliance in an attempt to get the contract to stop the building and has since ordered the contractor to provide laboratory tests to prove contrary.
MEC Collen Maine said "we have taken this harsh decision to send a strong message to other contractors and wanna-be contractors that the Department will not tolerate any sub-standard work. Our good track record that we have worked for over the years, will not be tarnished by these shoddy contractors".
One of the demolished houses belongs to Onica Mogoiwa and her family of four who have been waiting for her house for over a year. Mogoiwa said her family will be patient as the department is determined to quality work.
The R13 million housing project is intended to build 200 houses in Huhudi township. Currently only 43 houses are in good condition. The new contractor will be appointed in due course and is expected to start with the construction of the houses in two weeks.
MEC Maine will continue with the inspection of housing projects in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District tomorrow.
Contact:
Ben Bole
Cell: 071 566 1399
E-mail: bensbole@gmail.com
