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"The lack of skills in managing and monitoring projects undertaken by the
Department of Human Settlements, is a major challenge that needs urgent
intervention", said Mr KP Sithole, IFP Spokesperson for Human Settlements in
Parliament.

It is indefensible that some Provincial Departments are under-spending on
their housing budgets, while communities are in desperate need of housing.

Sithole further added that, "The Eastern Cape and Free State provinces are
the biggest culprits when it comes to this under-spending. They lack the
skills for monitoring and managing their projects efficiently, as well as
handling their budgets appropriately. This situation needs urgent attention
by the Department of Human Settlements by providing the necessary capacity
where it is needed".

In addition, the IFP calls for the speeding up of outstanding cases which
are under investigation by the Special Investigations Unit [SIU], as this
causes major delays in the issuing of payments for contractors. Furthermore,
the offices of the Department need to be restructured in order to improve
their functions and programmes when delivering services to the people. The
Department is also still awaiting additional office space from the
Department of Public Works.

The Departments of Higher Education and Co-operative Governance need to
begin working with other Departments to develop programmes to enhance skills
development in municipalities. This should go a long way towards promoting
efficient municipal spending on infrastructure.