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The DA wants answers in respect of the Wrenchville housing project in Kuruman, after the project came to a standstill.

The low-cost RDP housing project was started in April 2018. After four years, the project has come to a halt because of insufficient funds.

The project consists of 240 houses of which 169 have been finished and handed over to the beneficiaries. The remaining 71 houses are only partially built, just with slabs thrown on the stands.

Local community members are devastated and furious, having to wait for years to receive promised houses. Many of them rent houses and others are backyard dwellers, who are dependent on government grants. To them, the project represented hope of a better tomorrow but now it’s starting to look like another government project.

The contractor has broken down the site office and vanished, except for one empty container still remaining.

The Ga- Segonyana Municipality says the contractor asked Coghsta for an adjustment of funds, while the District Municipality says that there is progress on site.

Myself and fellow DA councillor Nottie Eilerd are probing the matter. We will table a motion calling for a full and transparent report on the project at the next council sitting. Eilerd has also submitted a letter to COGHTSA, asking that they also provide clarity on the matter.

Government cannot afford for housing projects that are in progress and budgeted for, to remain incomplete, if they wish to make progress in addressing the already overwhelming housing backlog in the province.

More must be done to meet housing promises and restore dignity to families waiting for a permanent shelter to call home.

Issued by Tilla Rayn - DA Councillor in Ga-Segonyana Municipality