Question NW256 to the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
19 March 2021 - NW256
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
What are the reasons that only 10 houses were built in the R92 million housing project which was aimed at building houses for the residents of the KwaZenzele informal settlement near Endicott in the Lesedi Local Municipality, which was started 13 years ago?
Reply:
Honourable Member, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has advised that the total planned units for Kwazenzele Ext 1 is 6424 housing units. However, the current available bulk capacity can only cater for 345 housing units in the first phase of development. The budget for the implementation of the first phase of development (i.e. 345 housing units) is R92 725 175. This amount includes the installation of services such as water and sewer as well as the construction of roads and storm water drainage.
Further, I have been informed that the Developer was appointed in 2018 to start with the construction work. The construction of services required that High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) be installed as the area is dolomitic. The installation of these pipes takes time and require specialised skill to install because any future leak can create sinkholes. The Developer appointed to complete the project was given ample time to complete the project but due to unsatisfactory performance, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements decided not to extend the contract when it lapsed on the 31st March 2020. The process for the appointment of a replacement contractor is at a final stage. To date, R13 655 175.00 has been spent on the project.