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Tomorrow the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo will make representations to the Public Protector to investigate the R3.9 million housing project at the Talana Hostel in Tzaneen.

The provincial legislature’s portfolio committee for COGHTSA conducted an oversight at the controversial low cost housing project this morning and met with representatives from the Tzaneen local municipality, the Housing Development Agency (HDA), the service provider, COGHTSA and recipients. The low cost houses were also inspected.

The oversight revealed the lack of due processes followed.

There was  further no council resolution by the Tzaneen local municipalities that approved this project.

Under the guise of the relaxed emergency procurement measures in response to Covid-19, the entire procurement process took 10 days.

A show house was then set up in Polokwane and according to the service provider, was attended by representatives of the HDA, COGHSTA , the Tzaneen Local municipality and Tubatse Local municipality. The government stakeholders then signed off on the project for implementation.

The portfolio committee will meet with COGHSTA on 18 August 2020 to listen to their version of events.

During the planning phase no provision was made for running water or sanitation at the Talana Project. Some residents have to walk for more than 200 metres to access the communal toilets and taps.

There are further not adequate street lights for walking at night.

During the oversight, it was confirmed that no sanitation facilities will be built there either.

The fact remains that R64k was paid per unit at the Talana Hostel and the DA does not blame the public and the recipients for being suspicious and sceptical about this project.

As usual, the allegations are met with stakeholders proclaiming their innocence and lack of knowledge of the details of the project, including Premier Stan Matahabatha.

The DA is satisfied that there are enough irregularities to refer this matter to the Public Protector for urgent investigation.

The DA will ensure that the repugnant looting of funds intended to ease the suffering of poor South Africans will not go unpunished.

Issued by The DA