Last week, the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements visited the Northern Cape to assess progress regarding the implementation of a comprehensive integrated human settlements strategy in the province and the building of government houses for indigent communities as well as compliance to policy and legislative prescripts.
The Committee commended the province for the quality and the design of the houses built, e.g. Lerato Park and Kiemos Project and Matjieskloof. Furthermore, the Committee appreciated the commitment towards the National Upgrading Support Programme of the informal settlements as well the utilisation of the budget optimally by the province.
Nonetheless the Committee was concerned about the pace of service delivery (very slow as compared to the housing demand in the province). Committee Chairperson, Ms Nomhle Dambuza, highlighted that poor planning was also the biggest problem which resulted in projects not being completed, and end up impacting negatively on cost escalation for projects. There was a need to improve on inter-governmental relations, she added.
The Committee observed the following policy gaps that impact negatively on housing delivery:
- Allocation of resources does not consider the topographic challenges
- The allocation of funds through a population census report have hit hard on the delivery of housing in the province, notwithstanding that the province has been declared as a development corridor
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Withdrawal of Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) from the district municipalities that have been accredited to implement human settlements program pose the challenge for these municipalities to provide a dedicated support to the local
municipalities. - Lack of systems for early detection of public servants doing business with government (bidding from other provinces)
- Lack of clear policy directives guiding the implementation of MIG in support of human settlements development programme especially (Bulk Infrastructure)
Although the Committee acknowledges the scarcity of resources, effective and optimal resource utilisation is a universal challenge within the sector. The Committee was also concerned that the ward committee system as not functional in most municipalities in the province, which is very important part of public participation that is meant to inform the IDP of the municipality.
The Committee was also concerned to learn that the bucket system and asbestos roof still existed long after the deadline for their total eradication had passed. The Committee advised the province to prioritise sanitation and ensure that bucket system is completely eradicated and consider retaining available land for housing development instead of selling to private developers.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Sakhile Mokoena
Cell: 082 364 3633
Tel: 021 403 2804
E-mail: smokoena@parliament.gov.za
