In 1996 the Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing undertook to implement the waiting list database system. However the waiting list has not been a very effective tool to address housing challenges in the province. The limitation of state focuses on necessitates of progressive approach towards the realisation of the Constitution to access to housing opportunities and to target the poorest and most vulnerable households.
The investigations conducted by the Gauteng Department of Housing revealed that various irregularities have taken place during the allocation process and the occupation of RDP houses. This was precipitated by maladministration, fraud and corruption that contributed to the displacement of innocent beneficiaries. A decision was then taken that the housing waiting list was to be re-engineered into the housing demand database for Gauteng province. Housing demand database is a new system of managing and planning for the demand of housing in Gauteng province.
The Housing demand database refers to all housing needs in the province, whether area based, or project based or tenure options. Beneficiaries who have benefited from a housing subsidy will be flagged on the demand database as inactive. This policy will be the only housing official database from which prospective beneficiaries will be selected for subsidy approval by the MEC. It will be used as information, planning and a research tool, whereby it will be able to provide information on the needs for housing by different groups within the communities.
The allocation model will be guided by the implementation of the new program called Integrated Residential Development Program (IRDP). According to this program, housing development is going to take a phased approach which will ensure proper project management cycle. This is also going to ensure that the process of allocation takes place after the properties are developed and then transferred to the appropriate beneficiaries. In that way, the subsidy is de-linked from the project.
This policy shifts away from a supply driven framework towards a demand driven process so as to build sustainable communities, meaning it will respond to community needs not individual needs.
Issued by: Department of Local Government and Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government
15 July 2009
Source: Department of Local Government and Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.housing.gpg.gov.za/)
