The Eastern Cape (EC) National Council of Provinces (NCOP) delegation has called on the provincial department of human settlements to address the challenges posed by beneficiary absenteeism on its housing programmes.
The Whip of the EC NCOP delegation, Mr Mandla Rayi, said beneficiary challenges have resulted in fights and protests and projects, and often houses would stand unoccupied while issues remained unsolved.
The province should be transparent with who it includes in its projects. People should not be disgruntled to the point of not trusting officials,” Mr Rayi said.
The EC NCOP delegation visited a rectification project in Mqanduli where 500 houses built in 2010 will have to be demolished. The visit formed part of the NCOP’s Provincial Week, where Members of Parliament visit their respective provinces.
“The claims from dissatisfied communities of unknown people who somehow find themselves on the beneficiary list needed to be looked at before it leads to protests,” Mr Rayi said.
“Another challenge that was underscored in the province surrounds people who sub-let houses after getting houses meant for indigent people; in worst case scenarios other people sell the houses meant for poor people to foreign nationals,” he said.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Sibongile Maputi
Tel: 021 403 8041
Cell: 081 052 6060
E-mail: smaputi@parliament.gov.za
