Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi disappointed by the number of incomplete housing projects, while beneficiaries still awaiting their homes after 20 years.
HUMAN Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said she was disappointed by the number of housing projects that were incomplete, while beneficiaries still await their houses after 20 years.
The minister made the remark during a recent media briefing, while appealing to all incoming councillors to remember their oath of office and to honour the principles of Batho Pele, regardless of the political parties they represent.
Kubayi had received reports that some of the new executives in the municipalities have decided to stop ongoing human settlements projects.
Kubayi said the sector has many challenges to confront. She added that local government was critical to the delivery of settlements.
According to the minister, beneficiaries included orphans, widows and the elderly who were destitute and eagerly awaiting the completion of their houses.
During her provincial visits, she had been pleased to see that much had been achieved – many families have been granted access to decent shelter and there were men and women working hard to make this possible.
However, Kubayi was concerned about the poor workmanship that endangered the lives of beneficiaries, left behind by contractors who worked in collusion with government officials.
“It was heartbreaking to listen to would-be beneficiaries who have been wronged one way or the other to an extent that they have lost confidence in our housing delivery system,” Kubayi said.
“We will have to sharpen our systems so that they are properly geared to deliver housing opportunities for the majority of South Africans.”
