Question NW850 to the Minister of Human Settlements
17 April 2023 - NW850
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Human Settlements
(1)In light of the finger-pointing between the Department of Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, the uThukela District Municipality and the National Home Builders Registration Council regarding a multimillion-rand housing project that has stalled in Steadville, what (a) steps has she taken to establish the facts surrounding the debacle and (b) are the relevant details; (2) who will be held accountable for the wasteful and fruitless expenditure of taxpayers’ money which should have been used to improve the lives of hundreds of families around uThukela?
Reply:
(1) (a) The uThukela District Municipality had originally committed to supporting the housing project through the provision of bulk infrastructure, which allowed the Provincial Department of Human Settlements to proceed with the implementation of the housing project.
During the 2020/2021 financial year, however the uThukela District Municipality indicated it was no longer in a position to honour its commitment. The district further requested that the Provincial Department of Human Settlements fund the bulk infrastructure.
1 (b) The Provincial Department of Human Settlements is currently implementing the required bulk infrastructure, which is part of the District’s function.
(2) There is no wasteful and fruitless expenditure – no one will be held accountable. The houses are structurally sound, and on completion of the bulk infrastructure, the Department will complete the houses for beneficiaries to occupy.