“The only reason the contractor has not started with the construction of the houses is due to the fact that the funding will only be allocated in March 2021 in the next financial year.”
THE DEPARTMENT of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) has indicated that the Bufferzone housing project in Barkly West can only continue next year because of the “budget cycle”.
Independent ward councilor Mentley Bezuidenhout said that construction had only started 60 out of a total of 220 houses, while beneficiaries were forced to relieve themselves in the veld.
“The incomplete 60 houses have no roofs, doors, windows or toilets and people have built shacks next to the structures in the meantime.
“This project should have been handed over in 2015 already.”
Spokesperson for Coghsta Lerato Khunou on Friday stated that the department had appointed a contractor for completion of 50 houses in July.
“The contractor appointed will only commence with work in March 2021 with the new budget cycle. The contractor has tendered only to complete the 50 houses in 24 weeks, therefore there are no delays because the 24 weeks will start when the contractor reports on site in March.”
She explained that funding would only be allocated next year for the construction of the houses.
“The only reason the contractor has not started with the construction of the houses is due to the fact that the funding will only be allocated in March 2021 in the next financial year.”
Khunou added that all houses would be fitted with sanitation and water connections.
“Issues pertaining to high mast lights, shacks and electricity must be referred to the local municipality in question.”
