The latest Consolidated Auditor General on National and Provincial audit outcomes has revealed that out of the 27 National Housing projects throughout the country run by the National Department of Human Settlements, 89% of those projects have been delayed by an average of almost four years, with 44% of projects being of poor build quality.
59% of projects have also exceeded their budget with a further 22% of all projects not being commissioned on time.
Last year, it was also revealed that the National Minister of Public Works, Mr. Sihle Zikalala, currently sits on 4,221 title deeds intended for distribution in Western Cape municipalities.
While the National Government continues to fail to deliver housing opportunities to the most vulnerable, the Western Cape continues to deliver more to the residents of the Western Cape. The last financial year alone saw an estimated 26 000 people benefiting from housing projects in the province.
The Provincial Government is currently building 38 Social and Affordable Housing projects throughout the province which will be carried out throughout the upcoming three financial years up until 2025/26
This includes:
15 social housing projects which will produce 4614 new social rental units.
23 affordable FLISP (now First Home Finance) which will produce 1525 units.
In terms of creating liveable neighbourhoods, the Provincial Department of Infrastructure in the last year:
completed 5 integrated implementation plans and 3 formal housing establishment processes within the PHDAs,
13 projects were approved that were aligned with national and provincial priorities,
26 Municipalities were provided with technical support,
41 individual informal settlement upgrading plans were prepared,
5 social compacts were concluded with communities.
The National ANC Government has no intention of providing housing opportunities to our most vulnerable residents. Access to secure and affordable housing is a fundamental right and a crucial factor in addressing social inequalities.
Issued by Matlhodi Maseko, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Infrastructure