Developers key on service delivery
The Department of Human Settlements in the North West has committed to its internal administrative review with the main aim of fast-tracking service delivery and further improve the relations with contractors within the province. The commitment and the turnaround strategy was announced by the acting head of department James Mashigo during a meeting between the department and developers in Mafikeng on Tuesday.
Housing delivery, budget, administrative processes and developer's ability to deliver topped the agenda among many concerns voiced during the meeting. According to the department developers are critical stakeholders in delivery of houses, as they assist government to deliver on its mandate of ensuring that everyone has a right to access adequate housing, and to create safe and secured human settlements within the Province.
From it's part the department among others changed it's strategy, because it wanted to fast-trek processes of ensuring that payments are done within thirty days as a turnaround time as mandated by the Public Finance Management Act. The department further acknowledged that it has a serious backlog when it comes to service delivery of houses within the province. It called on all developers in attendance to work closely with the department to ensure that services are delivered and ensure economy growth.
The Acting Head of Department James Mashigo called on contractors to turn the North West into a construction site, a gesture he said will results in relevant beneficiaries accessing homes and ultimately tittle deeds in their names. “Working closely with contractors with one vision can lead to the success in delivering houses in the province. We committed as the department to ensure that we partner with them in delivering services and ensuring a habitable human settlements within the province. We are committed to do our part and hope they will reciprocate,” said the Mashigo.
The HOD’s sentiments were further echoed by the Provincial Chairperson of South African Women In Construction, Xoli Moagi. Moagi welcomed the departmental initiative and how it will assist the partnership going forward. “As women in the construction industry we are happy about this session with developers. Service delivery is a serious concern to us. We thank the department for the clear communication and we hope that going forward, especially with both parties working together, will enhance service delivery and ensure exposure for the previously disadvantage people to have house”.
I’m also humbled by the fact that the department is still sticking to our agreement of committing 40% of its budget to Women, youth and people with disability. We see that as real empowerment to the said groups as they were previously marginalised,” said Moagi.
The department further acknowledged that it did not reach its target in the previous financial year due to both internal and external factors. Officials appealed to developers to ensure that the partnership becomes a success and leads to hundred percent delivery on its target. However the session could not end without the department reading the riot act to developers. The department, warned against shoddy workmanship, delay in starting and finishing constriction within the agreed time, usage of substandard material, sub-contracting without preapproval by the department and many other challenges from their part that could derail housing delivery.
Enquiries:
Ms Dineo Lolokwane
Spokesperson: Department of Human Settlements
Cell: 072 542 8444
Tel: 018 388 2391
