Question CW52 to the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
13 March 2020 - CW52
Sileku, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Whether any measures are in place to ensure that the rate of issuing title deeds is improved; if not, why not; if so, (a) what measures, (b) how will her department ensure that such targets are met and (c) what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
(a) For projects within the scope of the Title Restoration Project (projects approved before 31 March 2014), inconclusive township establishment processes have been identified as the major challenge. Township establishment has been prioritised in the Title Restoration Grant.
For newer projects (approved after 1 April 2014) I have issued directives for implementation by provinces. These include an instruction on when conveyancers must register title during the housing delivery process, as well as an instruction to withhold a minimum amount until registration of the property has been confirmed in the deeds office.
(b) The Department has put the following measures in place to ensure that the targets are met:
- Assessment of provincial business to ensure that targets for township establishment and registration of title are adequate;
- Project level monitoring;
- Quarterly performance reviews conducted with provinces and metros; and
- Quarterly reporting to MinMec.
(c) Township establishment is a lengthy process with legislated timeframes and a necessary precursor to titling. Where appropriate, the Department assists provinces to overcome some of the challenges associated with the formalisation of old townships through intergovernmental arrangements with other national departments.