Mamabolo promises tough action against those behind abandoned housing projects
The housing verification audit on all incomplete housing projects in the province will give government a clear idea of who should be held accountable for this problem; this was said by MEC for Human Settlements Jacob Mamabolo today.
MEC Mamabolo, who was speaking at the launch of the provincial ward-based housing audit in Alexandra, said that the problem of incomplete buildings and houses was brought to his attention by ward councilors and concerned residents throughout the province.
The problem of abandoned buildings affected RDP houses, Hostels and flats.
“Once we get the facts about why the project was abandoned we will get the contractor and the employees who were involved in the project and investigate what led to this situation. Where we find negligence and there are basis for people to be held accountable we will not hesitate to take action,” said the MEC.
Mamabolo said that where it was found that the contractors failed on their contractual obligations action will be taken and no stone will be left unturned. The MEC said that taking action against the offenders will also deter others from putting government into similar problem.
MEC said that there were many reasons projects were abandoned and some had to do with the capacity of department to make timely payments to contractors.
Mamabolo said he was deeply concerned about abandoned projects and in the case of Alexandra it was going to be hard to activate the Alexandra Renewal Project without taking into account what was started and was not finished.
The MEC said that unfinished projects were a pain to councilors because they had to answer to communities.
Mamabolo said that the audit will help government know the extent of the problem.
“Currently there is no comprehensive detailed information of abandoned buildings in the province, there is no reliable data of where the abandoned buildings are, what their conditions are and so on,” MEC said.
The MEC said that the audit will also give details of how much was spent on each abandoned project, how much still needs to be spent and how long will it take to complete.
MEC said that it was important to close the chapter of abandoned buildings and move over to Mega Human Settlements projects. “The turnaround of the department must ensure that all legacy projects are completed as the new trajectory of Mega Human Settlements projects unfold”, MEC Mamabolo said.
The day ended with handover of one uncompleted site of Alexandra Ext 31 to an appointed contractor to complete the project.
Mamabolo said that the abandoned building were also heaven for social ills as they were used as a hide out by criminal elements.
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Tel: 011 355 4873
Cell: 079 897 2240
