Question NW2642 to the Minister of Humana Settlements

Reply:

 

1. The Department plans to conduct a needs analysis with regards to the suitability and applicability of current programmes to meet the needs and requirements of persons with disabilities. Currently the Department provides for a top-up to the current subsidy to respond to the needs of persons with disabilities who apply and are approved for a subsidised house. The Department has received requests for the current minimum norm and standard for a house for a person

with disabilities to be increased to 45m2 in size. The intention of the needs analysis is to ensure houses are constructed that comply with Part S of the South African National Standards (SANS 10400XA). Such standards provide that the house must conform to the universal design principles to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.

This implies that the houses to be build would be tailor-made to suit different forms of physical disabilities and special needs to cater for persons who use or need walking aids, partially or full-time using a wheelchair, partially/profoundly deaf, partially/ blind, partially/total movement loss/paralysis in the upper body limbs.

1. The Department also plans to approve a policy on Special Housing Needs (SHN), in conjunction with the Department of Social Development, which will cater for those that are unable to live independently in a normal housing or require assistance in terms of a safe, supportive, and protective living environment and thus need some level of care or protection, be it temporary or permanent.

1. The table below provides a summary of what is recorded in the National Needs Register as 24 November 2021, in relation to backlog of provision of housing for persons with disabilities..