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Chairperson, the Independent Democrats welcomes the change in the term from Housing Ministry to that of Human Settlement because the ID believes that we must build communities and not just houses.

It has become a national trend that houses are rapidly deteriorating due to poor workmanship.

The houses in Samora Machel, Philippi, are falling apart as we speak due to weak infrastructure plans.

Both in Philippi and Macassar, during the winter months, residents experience rivers running through their houses as a result of heavy rains.

We need to restore the dignity of our people.

Government's housing policy is still too focused on quantity and not quality of housing.

It is high time that Government begins to get serious about bridging the divides and creates communities where rich and poor live side by side.

We need to build sustainable housing, which is energy efficient.

Emphasis must be on integrated human settlement.

These settlements must include infrastructure such as roads, transport, electricity, water, refuse removal, community facilities, schools, shops and recreational areas.

The Delft Housing Development Scheme is, however, in total contradiction to this.

Chairperson, during the public hearings on this budget vote, the Rural Housing Loan Fund, which claims to be a national wholesale housing institution, has failed the rural communities dismally in terms of its disbursements and geographic allocations.

The Fund gave 0% of its total percentage of its national loan assistance budget to the Northern Cape, 3% to the Free State, 6% to Limpopo and 8% to the Eastern Cape.

The bulk of the loan fund was utilized in the Gauteng Province, which received 31%.

The Independent Democrats would like this program to be more equitable and representative.

I thank you.